Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal 26.02.2025 - KO: 19:30

[HCZ_Reborn]

I can’t think of a game this season I’ve looked forward to less. This feels to me like if we play the way we did against West Ham it’s a guaranteed defeat. So it’s a question of whether Arteta has learnt anything from saturday or not. The problem is I fear it’s not within our power to avoid defeat, especially if we accept (as some people on here still haven’t) that there are no goals in this team.

By this I mean we have the kind of players who might add to our goal tally were we already in front, but not the type of players we can rely on to open the scoring. This then puts so much pressure on our defence not because their incapable of keeping a clean sheet against this team, but because they know the failure so to do is likely fatal.

[Marc Overmars]

The pressure is off so I wouldn’t be surprised if we performed but realistically it’s hard to see anything more than a scrappy draw at best. Very little chance that we win this game and I’d imagine a defeat here would begin a spiral into a CL dogfight for the remainder of the season.

[Niall_Quinn]

Yeah we're winning this one. No pressure, title gone, nothing to play for - this is when we are at out best.

[Mac76]

12-0, hatters for Wood, Gibbs-White, Elanga and Hudson-Odoi

[Mac76]

The pressure is off so I wouldn’t be surprised if we performed but realistically it’s hard to see anything more than a scrappy draw at best. Very little chance that we win this game and I’d imagine a defeat here would begin a spiral into a CL dogfight for the remainder of the season.

Agree, it's all very well saying the pressure's off but the team is shot and Forest will be rubbing their hands at the thought of this one

[HCZ_Reborn]

Yeah we're winning this one. No pressure, title gone, nothing to play for - this is when we are at out best.

Well for once I hope your jaded cynicism proves to be accurate and that what we saw on Saturday was a reflection of choking when the chance came to assert pressure on Liverpool rather than just a reflection on where the squad is in terms of both injury and fatigue. I have to say though, I don’t think there’s that much wrong with the mentality of the team especially compared to the Wenger days, but we still need wins.

[Niall_Quinn]

Well for once I hope your jaded cynicism proves to be accurate and that what we saw on Saturday was a reflection of choking when the chance came to assert pressure on Liverpool rather than just a reflection on where the squad is in terms of both injury and fatigue. I have to say though, I don’t think there’s that much wrong with the mentality of the team especially compared to the Wenger days, but we still need wins.

Was thinking of it more from Arteta's perspective. No reason not to let the team of the leash now. All we have to protect is that top 4 spot so coveted by the money men. Unless we totally collapse (yes, I see your point regarding the exhaustion that may result from the careful lack of planning) we'll get at least 4th spot. So we might as well go out and see what these players can do, in preparation for next season. It's a shame we are still in the CL. That means more games, distractions for no purpose. Well, I suppose the experience is something.

[Mac76]

Was thinking of it more from Arteta's perspective. No reason not to let the team of the leash now

If there's one thing anyone would never think about him is easing off on anyone, that's been part of the problem, whether it's playing people continuously or never playing them

Bukayo Saka? you play 90 minutes of every game

Ethan Nwaneri? You only get a kick when everyone else is injured

There's a guy called Butler-Odeyeji been on the bench the last few games but not got a kick and guess what? He's a forward and he's also played more competitive football than either Nwaneri or MLS. He needs to be involved tonight, winning, losing or drawing, only in match conditions can you see what someone is really made of

[Letters]

I hope we win, I suppose, but I'm struggling to muster any enthusiasm of this, tbh

[HCZ_Reborn]

Well I would say that it’d be nice to see Rice, Trossard and Odegaard all discover the goalscoring touch, but I don’t think the chances will be there to stick away to begin with.

I’d basically encourage anyone with the ball outside the box to shoot, it’ll most likely be closed down but you never know, it might fly in, with or without a deflection or might be palmed out by Sels.

Id be happy to encourage a direct, route one approach if a) I thought our players capable of it b) that it would work against a deep lying forest who won’t overcommit.

[Marc Overmars]

If we concede early I suspect we could be thumped.

[IBK]

My concern is that we will press for an unliklely goal with a high line and get smoked by transition kings. Alas I see this game as a loss, and on the basis of what we saw in our last 2 games would settle for a draw.

[HCZ_Reborn]

My concern is that we will press for an unliklely goal with a high line and get smoked by transition kings. Alas I see this game as a loss, and on the basis of what we saw in our last 2 games would settle for a draw.

Alas, I suspect you are far from alone in this fear

This is not a million miles from what happened in May 2023. Odegaard caught in possession, Awonyi goes steaming through and 1-0. And the rest of the game was like a man straining to take a shit after spending three days back to beat eating at a Brazilian restaurant for dinner (not knocking Brazilian restaurants in fact I love them, but you do need some fibre to offset all the stuff that will clog your intestines)

[HCZ_Reborn]

If we concede early I suspect we could be thumped.

Don’t know about being thumped. I think if Forest take the lead they will be content to hold on to what they have

[dazthegooner]

If we're going to play Merino up front it might be an idea to start with Tierney (yeah I know Arteta wouldn't) and White as left/right back with us putting the ball out wide as both are good crossers of the ball.

[Letters]

Don’t know about being thumped. I think if Forest take the lead they will be content to hold on to what they have

We haven't been thumped all season. If we go behind it's hard to see us coming back, but I agree I doubt we will concede many,
Prove me wrong, boys. Prove me wrong!

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

Yeah we're winning this one. No pressure, title gone, nothing to play for - this is when we are at out best.

I think you'll be proven right. This team buckles under pressure, and since almost everyone thinks they are losers now, they'll start performing.

It's going to be a tough game, but inexplicably, I can't help but feel we'll get something here and then wonder why we did do so badly against the Hammers, like we've not seen this soap opera for the last 3 years.

[HCZ_Reborn]

Jorginho in for Partey (who is on the bench) :unsure:

[Niall_Quinn]

Jorginho in for Partey (who is on the bench) :unsure:

Good move. Provided Rice and Odegard are constantly shouting, "Any time will do mate!" But he'll move things along quicker than our sedentary number 5.

[Niall_Quinn]

Referee: Andy Madley

A crucial factor these days. Should be okay here, unless Oliver starts taking pot shots from the seats.

[Niall_Quinn]

Calafiori needs to stay wide instead of wandering into the middle, which MLS also does tbf. But stay wide - not one foot inside - fucker! And Timber needs to be a little more adventurous going forward (well a lot more), else Nwaneri won't get into the game enough.

We really are easing White back, aren't we? 1 minute last game, maybe 2 minutes this time?

[Niall_Quinn]

On the bench - 46, I. Kabia

Very good player, great prospect, hope we hang on to him. Would love to see him get a few minutes tonight. And Oyedeji, why not? What do we have to lose?

[Niall_Quinn]

For a mere 30.99 per month you can watch the game tonight on TNT Sports - YAY!

:patrice::woohoo:

[Mac76]

On the bench - 46, I. Kabia

Very good player, great prospect, hope we hang on to him. Would love to see him get a few minutes tonight. And Oyedeji, why not? What do we have to lose?

Totally agree, give these guys an opportunity, we've literally nothing to lose

[McNamara That Ghost...]

-----
Nottingham Forest: Sels, Aina, Murillo, Milenkovic, Williams, Anderson, Gibbs-White, Dominguez, Hudson-Odoi, Wood, Elanga.
Subs: Morato, Danilo, Moreno, Sangare, Silva, Yates, Sosa, Awoniyi, Hennessey

Arsenal: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Jorginho, Rice, Odegaard, Nwaneri, Trossard, Merino.
Subs: Kiwior, White, Zinchenko, Tierney, Partey, Sterling, Kabia, Butler-Oyedeji, Neto

[Niall_Quinn]

Calafiori, what a dumb-arse.

[HCZ_Reborn]

Totally agree, give these guys an opportunity, we've literally nothing to lose

Given top four is not secure. And whilst I’m sure some of us might see the positive to us not finishing top 4 in that it probably would be the end for Arteta….it certainly wouldn’t help us secure the signings we want to make

So not quite sure we are at the nothing to lose stage just yet

[Niall_Quinn]

Whoa! A yellow for Forest for delaying restart! I think he's confused because Forest are in red.

[Mac76]

Whoa! A yellow for Forest for delaying restart! I think he's confused because Forest are in red.

:lol:

[HCZ_Reborn]

Calafiori, what a dumb-arse.

It means a lot that you chose to use the British spelling of Arse and hyphenated dumb arse to make it two words instead of the American Dumbass.

This is a British forum

[Niall_Quinn]

Should have been a pen to us and a red for Wood for leading with his elbow - right to the face. Amazing really, listening to the PGMOL justifying the brutality of a tap to teh ankle, yet an elbow to the face - play on, don't even mention it.

[Mac76]

Given top four is not secure. And whilst I’m sure some of us might see the positive to us not finishing top 4 in that it probably would be the end for Arteta….it certainly wouldn’t help us secure the signings we want to make

So not quite sure we are at the nothing to lose stage just yet

it's more that with no other attacking options we should give these guys a chance, who says they can't help us secure top 4? we won't know until we give them a runout

[HCZ_Reborn]

Taking bets on when we invariably give away possession cheaply and they score from the mistake

Before the half hour mark?

[Niall_Quinn]

Such a stupid ball by Gabriel. A nothing ball. We go from tip tap to random slinging. Come on - there are options in-between!

[HCZ_Reborn]

Such a stupid ball by Gabriel. A nothing ball. We go from tip tap to random slinging. Come on - there are options in-between!

I would say that’s not necessarily an option for some of our players but Gabriel is usually quite tidy on the ball and is comfortable with the ball at his feet (although he has also been known to dither)

[Niall_Quinn]

Shit cross by Timber but it's okay so far. Timber overlapping with Nwaneri and Califiore offering support on the other side. Trossard is roaming across the front line and it's a hell of a lot better than against the hammers. Some movement at least.

[Niall_Quinn]

When are we going to get rid of this shit where defenders just dive when they are under pressure?

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Brilliant defending from Gabriel.

[Niall_Quinn]

This is a lot better than last game. Good defending by Gabriel there too.

[Mac76]

Rice started to prepare to take that shot last week

[Mac76]

Calafiore's going to have us down to ten within the half hour at this rate

[Niall_Quinn]

Fucking hell Raya - he's on the halfway line again! What the fuck is all that about Willis?

[Niall_Quinn]

Fuck right off! Handball? Just because the crowd shouted? Fucking refs.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Calafiori is so fucking clumsy.

[Mac76]

Calafiore's going to have us down to ten within the half hour at this rate

repeat

[Niall_Quinn]

Pena claim here for Forest. Califiore being a bit of a twat again, big risk there of losing the game in one moment. Ref says no. It was the merest of touches and got to give some credit for the Forest player not going down like his name was Diaz.

[Mac76]

Arteta's obsession with signing people to play at left back who can't defend is very annoying

[Niall_Quinn]

Oh come on! How did that no go in???

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Calafiori hits the post!

[Mac76]

Cala hits the post :lol:

[Niall_Quinn]

Calafiore is back in the centre and were tapping it around in front of them again. Why? Why change what was working?

[Niall_Quinn]

Merino is completely out of his depth, unfortunately. Lost every header so far.

[Niall_Quinn]

Fucking hell, Calafiore is playing as striker now. What the hell? Where's Merino supposed to be playing then?

[Niall_Quinn]

Now Calafiore is playing as Forest's keeper.

And now he's moved into the stands, right behind the goal.

And now he's running for a set with the Lib Dems.

FAR LEFT - YOU FUCKER!

[Mac76]

Is Trossard wearing a wig?

[Mac76]

Another wasted free kick

[Niall_Quinn]

Ref blew that whistle the instant the FK was taken. What a fucking joke. He was always going to blow there, for something or another.

[Niall_Quinn]

Well we've gone narrow again, despite demonstrating we can put Forest under pressure by adding width. Basically a re-run of the West Ham match now.

[Niall_Quinn]

So stupid by Merino. Unnecessary foul.

[Niall_Quinn]

Holy hell - Rice breaking and Trossard actually hangs back BEHIND his run!!!!!! So we get the backpass on the break. It's our speciality.

It's a complete fucking mystery to me why we can't just play normal football, like we did in the first 10 mins.

[Niall_Quinn]

Timber is always going down and moaning and whinging. He needs to cut that shit out.

[Niall_Quinn]

Nah - every time we win the ball we immediately slow it right dow and Forest stroll back into their shape. It's painful to watch, or even notice given it all happens so slowly.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

0-0 HT. :lol:

[Letters]

Sounds like another cracking game

[Niall_Quinn]

Nwaneri starts running into the acres that are ALWAYS available, and Timber (I think) turns around and plays it backwards.

HT 0-0

Good start then we went back to the same old dogshit. NOt sure of Forest changed something to counter our start, don't think so. I think we just opted to be shit.

Merino no-existent. He's not a striker - who knew?

Trossard is such a good player when he gets a chance to use his mobility. But he's back doing lamppost duty now so drifted out of the game.

Calafiore has been all over the pitch, but not in a good way.

[Niall_Quinn]

Fuck, my perfect stream went down and turned into Nascar! BASTARD!

[Mac76]

Sounds like another cracking game

We've been surprisingly good at not giving Forest too many good opportunities while not having a shot on target ourselves

[Niall_Quinn]

There's no point Merino being on the pitch. All he's doing is wandering around with a bemused look on his face.

Why would we not bring on an actual striker, we have one on the bench.

[HCZ_Reborn]

Team that can’t score goals continue to not score goals shocker

I like Calafiori but he’s not a left back is he. Then again neither is Lewis-Skelly, like a lot of youngsters wants to be a midfielder but it’s safer to play him there when he’s not on the ball as often.

Anyway if we can’t score, we might as well make sure we give them nothing

[Niall_Quinn]

Tierney on. Calafiore off.

[Niall_Quinn]

Raya puts us under immediate pressure with his wandering and shit-housery.

[Marc Overmars]

Calafiori should be playing up front tbh

[Niall_Quinn]

It's always the 743rd pass that goes astray - if we could just get that right I'm sure the subsequent 992 passes would get the ball in the net.

[Mac76]

We're comfortable enough in defence and Merino's not doing it, I really don't see the harm in giving Butler-Oyedeji a go shortly, at least it would be something new

[Niall_Quinn]

Merino's first effort on goal, with his head. Poor really.

[Niall_Quinn]

Forest decide to change things with a couple of subs. Quitters! We'll keep things the same for the full 90.

[Niall_Quinn]

It's pathetic. Backs to goal, tip tap bollocks.

[Mac76]

Nwaneri could've had a shot then I think

[Niall_Quinn]

Nasty foul on Merino. Ref gave nothing, except his boot back (which was ripped off in the challenge)

[Niall_Quinn]

Nwaneri could've had a shot then I think

Maybe Arteta warned him, "Over my dead body!"

[Niall_Quinn]

It's Zinchenko time!!!

[Niall_Quinn]

Forest shot on goal, Raya palms it out.

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

Trossard is terrible when allowed to think. We have to many of these kind of players.

[Mac76]

Zin coming on - that'll help...

[Niall_Quinn]

Jorginho off. Zin on. It's up for grabs now!

[Mac76]

F**king Arteta, why doesn't he bring on Kabia or NBO? This is so boring and predicatable

[Niall_Quinn]

Saliba with massive fuck up then massive recovery. Forest hoofing it over the top - very effective. Wonder why we never do that?

[Mac76]

Saliba :bow:

[HCZ_Reborn]

Jorginho off. Zin on. It's up for grabs now!

For Forest yes. Hopefully though we’ve mitigated this somewhat by swapping him and Rice around

[Niall_Quinn]

F**king Arteta, why doesn't he bring on Kabia or NBO? This is so boring and predicatable

Doubt the kids could turn the game off their own backs. This system is so horrific to endure.

[HCZ_Reborn]

Saliba with massive fuck up then massive recovery. Forest hoofing it over the top - very effective. Wonder why we never do that?

Because you need players that can trap a ball with confidence. Like what’s his face….German lad who owns Donkeys

[Mac76]

Doubt the kids could turn the game off their own backs. This system is so horrific to endure.

I don't care tbh it would just be interesting to see someone new

[Niall_Quinn]

We need to try something different in the last 2 minutes of the match. Maybe have Raya stay in his goal, or something?

[Niall_Quinn]

Sterling is coming on!

Now we are talking.

Nwaneri off. He was magnificently supported by Timer today. Not once was he left isolated out there - it was a lot more than once!

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

We need to try something different in the last 2 minutes of the match. Maybe have Raya stay in his goal, or something?

Well the brilliant coach has just taken Nwanerri off...so thats definitely something different :lol:

[Niall_Quinn]

Trying for a pen there. No chance. Desperate now.

[Niall_Quinn]

Just waiting for Forest to nick one now and then we can all go home. Another riveting experience.

[Letters]

Time for...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7WJgToNRps

[Niall_Quinn]

You fucker! WHY did he pass? SHOOOOOOOOOOT!

He was 503 miles offside anyway.

[Mac76]

Zin eight miles offside

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

You fucker! WHY did he pass? SHOOOOOOOOOOT!

He was 503 miles offside anyway.

But what if he wasn't....why the f*ck can't he shoot when he knows we got less than 10 mins left...this team dithers too much.

[Niall_Quinn]

Forest sub Wood

White gets his 3 mins - LOL

Partey on - :haha:

Odegard off - he was shite tonight really.

[Mac76]

Partey :rolleyes:

[Niall_Quinn]

Suppose somebody else went off too but some of the players have been so anonymous its difficult to tell who.

White gets a block in, good defending.

Forest picking up the pace.

[Niall_Quinn]

This is a shambles. The team, the system, unrecognisable. Don't know what's supposed to be happening out there, but it ain't happening.

[Niall_Quinn]

Another cross coming in from Forest. Bit shit.

Sterling had an earlier cross and expertly picked out the defender.

+ 4 mins.

[Mac76]

big mess-up from Saliba but we get away with it

[Niall_Quinn]

Stupid bint pretending to know what she's on about gives MOTM to some Forest defender.

Raya was MOTM, e was all over the pitch. Heat map must be epic.

[Niall_Quinn]

Sterling helping Forest to run down the clock. It would really be better if he went and stood in the corner.

[Niall_Quinn]

3 against one and the Forest defender does them all! They were all looking at each other, "No, after you. No, couldn't possibly old chap..."

[Niall_Quinn]

Last gasp FK for us/...

[McNamara That Ghost...]

0-0 FT. :lol:

[Niall_Quinn]

Jesus. Rice chips it straight to a Forest defender and the full time whistle blows. As does the match.

[Marc Overmars]

Team with no forwards in scoring no goals again shocker.

[Mac76]

phew it's over - we can all go and do something more interesting now...

tbh a point away at Forest is fine, no problem with that

[HCZ_Reborn]

0-0 FT. :lol:

Better than expected in that we didn’t lose

I’ll leave the forensic analysis to people who believe that we just need to play in a special way to make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.

[HCZ_Reborn]

phew it's over - we can all go and do something more interesting now...

tbh a point away at Forest is fine, no problem with that

If we were chasing the title it would be horrendous

But since we are not

[Niall_Quinn]

We were tearing them to bits in the first few minutes then we reverted to what never works and stuck with it.

Lessons learned... don't do that opening shit in the next match - full 90 of tip tap essential.

Liverpool 13 points ahead. It's not going to be easy to catch them now. This might be getting out of our reach.

[Letters]

Tbf that wasn't such a bad point. And now the title is gone there aren't so many must wins.
But holy shit how are we going to stay up there when we can't score goals at all? :doh:

[Niall_Quinn]

Team with no forwards in scoring no goals again shocker.

You can't knock it until you have tried it. Now we know. Valuable lesson.

[Letters]

Liverpool 13 points ahead. It's not going to be easy to catch them now.
Not with that attitude :sulk:

[Mac76]

If we were chasing the title it would be horrendous


A team third in the league who've already beaten Liverpool this season? - I don't think so

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

Team with no forwards in scoring no goals again shocker.

Well, there was someone who believed this wasn't possible....that's the guy at the dugout who gets paid more than all of us and is apparently world class and has nothing to show for it.

[HCZ_Reborn]

A team third in the league who've already beaten Liverpool this season? - I don't think so

It’s not really about where they are in the league, it’s about no dropped points can be considered anything but disappointing

Liverpool fans close to taking compassionate leave from work on the last two Thursdays after the Everton and Villa game

[Niall_Quinn]

It’s not really about where they are in the league, it’s about no dropped points can be considered anything but disappointing

Liverpool fans close to taking compassionate leave from work on the last two Thursdays after the Everton and Villa game

And they'll want the day off when we're doing that shitty guard of honour thing at Anfield I suppose.

[Niall_Quinn]

So... who's doing the match reaction thread?

Leave it?

yeah...

[HCZ_Reborn]

So... who's doing the match reaction thread?

Leave it?

yeah...


Yep, not worth it

I don’t consider it worthwhile giving player ratings. It’s like being sent out and told to dig a hole and given a spoon instead of a spade. It’s no reflection on your work ethic if the hole doesn’t materialise

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Reaction = we go again next season.

[Mac76]

Reaction = we go again next season.

except what's the point of going again with an overly-cautious stubborn manager who doesn't want to sign any attacking players

[Marc Overmars]

The really shit thing about our current situation is that the CL can’t even provide a bit of excitement. Honestly feel like PSV will dump us out.

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

The really shit thing about our current situation is that the CL can’t even provide a bit of excitement. Honestly feel like PSV will dump us out.

I'm pretty sure the bookies will start updating the odds soon to be more reflective of current realities.

Does anyone know if there is any chance Saka could make the 2nd leg??

[McNamara That Ghost...]

except what's the point of going again with an overly-cautious stubborn manager who doesn't want to sign any attacking players

We observe the transfer window.

He isn't getting sacked so I don't know.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

I'm pretty sure the bookies will start updating the odds soon to be more reflective of current realities.

Does anyone know if there is any chance Saka could make the 2nd leg??

Nobody knows for sure but I still maintain it won't be until after the March international break.

Imagine we bring him in and Tuchel drafts him in. :lol:

[Marc Overmars]

I'm pretty sure the bookies will start updating the odds soon to be more reflective of current realities.

Does anyone know if there is any chance Saka could make the 2nd leg??

Doubt it. I don’t think Saka or Martinelli will realistically be fit to play until Fulham at home on April 1st.

[HCZ_Reborn]

We observe the transfer window.

He isn't getting sacked so I don't know.

If we end up outside the top 4 he might, and even if you keep clean sheets without goals the most you’re getting is a point

The irony is it would be a bit harsh given we have no recourse to goals currently but I’ll still celebrate like I did when Hezbollah had their willies blown off by exploding pagers

[Mac76]

Doubt it. I don’t think Saka or Martinelli will realistically be fit to play until Fulham at home on April 1st.

talking of betting what's the odds on an ESR winner - assisted by Iwobi ofc

[McNamara That Ghost...]

If we end up outside the top 4 he might, and even if you keep clean sheets without goals the most you’re getting is a point

The irony is it would be a bit harsh given we have no recourse to goals currently but I’ll still celebrate like I did when Hezbollah had their willies blown off by exploding pagers

That's not happening either tbh.

Even if we drew all remaining 11 games then that'd give a points total enough for fifth and that'll probably be Champions League anyway.

[Marc Overmars]

If we end up outside the top 4 he might, and even if you keep clean sheets without goals the most you’re getting is a point

The irony is it would be a bit harsh given we have no recourse to goals currently but I’ll still celebrate like I did when Hezbollah had their willies blown off by exploding pagers

To be honest we’re only a couple of shit results away from top 4 becoming an issue anyway.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Doubt it. I don’t think Saka or Martinelli will realistically be fit to play until Fulham at home on April 1st.

Martinelli should be more likely before the internationals given his injury wasn't as severe.

But again, maybe not in case he gets called to Brazil.

[HCZ_Reborn]

That's not happening either tbh.

Even if we drew all remaining 11 games then that'd give a points total enough for fifth and that'll probably be Champions League anyway.

Do we get 5th place then is it an annual coefficient battle between us and the Bundesliga or something?

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Do we get 5th place then is it an annual coefficient battle between us and the Bundesliga or something?

Every league really.

I think it's the top 2 leagues get the extra place so that's pretty assured this time around.

Italy seeing Juventus, AC Milan and Atalanta all go out does for them.

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

To be honest we’re only a couple of shit results away from top 4 becoming an issue anyway.

When this was initially pointed out, I thought it could never happen. But I guess I've got to review that now.... wow, I really do wonder how some people sleep at night

[Niall_Quinn]

Nobody knows for sure but I still maintain it won't be until after the March international break.

Imagine we bring him in and Tuchel drafts him in. :lol:

Fuck yes, that's exactly what would happen. And he's definitely getting injured on international duty, that's a club tradition.

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

That's not happening either tbh.

Even if we drew all remaining 11 games then that'd give a points total enough for fifth and that'll probably be Champions League anyway.

So we've got 11 games to get 11 points....I don't know why, but that still doesn't reassure me.

[Niall_Quinn]

Martinelli should be more likely before the internationals given his injury wasn't as severe.

But again, maybe not in case he gets called to Brazil.

Yeah, but if he gets 1 minute in his first match back, 2 minutes in his next, and so on, not sure how much he can do for us. Especially playing through the centre with Calafiori and Merino. And all our other players, including Raya.

[Niall_Quinn]

That's not happening either tbh.

Even if we drew all remaining 11 games then that'd give a points total enough for fifth and that'll probably be Champions League anyway.

OMG, Eleven nil-nils? Kill me now!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

OMG, Eleven nil-nils? Kill me now!

Look at Burnley's results in the Championship.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Yeah, but if he gets 1 minute in his first match back, 2 minutes in his next, and so on, not sure how much he can do for us. Especially playing through the centre with Calafiori and Merino. And all our other players, including Raya.

It's a minute more than Sterling tbh.

[Niall_Quinn]

Look at Burnley's results in the Championship.

Do I have to?

[KSE Comedy Club]

It's Zinchenko time!!!

That's Arteta's new 'bang your head against the wall' tactic.
He'll do it till the end of the season now just to see if it works - even though we all know the answer is NO

[Mac76]

So we've got 11 games to get 11 points....I don't know why, but that still doesn't reassure me.

9 Mar - MU (A)
16 Mar - Chelsea (H)
1 Apr – Fulham (H)
5 Apr – Neverton (A)
12 Apr – Brentford (H)
19 Appr – Ipswich (A)
26 Apr – Palace (H)
3 May – Bournemouth (H)
10 May – Liverpool (A)
19 May – Newcastle (H)
25 May – Southampton (A)

If we're stuck with the same players Arteta is using I couldn't see more than a draw against any of these

ofc if he gives Kabia and/or NBO a go and they turn out to be useful then things might improve, but we can't know until Arteta gives them a go and, even though these are the ideal conditions to do so, there's no sign of that

Other than that it's seeing what Martinellia and Saka can do when they get back but as long as we're playing stodgeball it maybe won't be that significant

[HCZ_Reborn]

They give me every impression of being bench fillers. Players who at most you could chuck on for fresh legs with ten minutes to go with the game wrapped up.

Relying on them for anything else kind of feels like Wenger turning to Chuks Aneke, 10-15 years ago.

I don’t know that of course, but never heard of either of these players until the injuries started piling up and I had heard of Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri.

[Niall_Quinn]

Kabia is an exceptional talent. Lots of highlights on arsenal.com if you want to watch. Problem is we let his mate Obi-wan-kenobi go to our bitter rivals which is probably the second most stupid thing we've done of later, after the whole January fuck-up. In the age of the 200mill striker we need to be giving these kids more opportunity because you only need one hit from ten to free up funds, wages and so on - so it's a double benefit when you can bring a young player through.

What are the rules now anyway. I've seen vague shit about limits on domestic players? That can't be right, should be the other way around.

[HCZ_Reborn]

Kabia is an exceptional talent. Lots of highlights on arsenal.com if you want to watch. Problem is we let his mate Obi-wan-kenobi go to our bitter rivals which is probably the second most stupid thing we've done of later, after the whole January fuck-up. In the age of the 200mill striker we need to be giving these kids more opportunity because you only need one hit from ten to free up funds, wages and so on - so it's a double benefit when you can bring a young player through.

What are the rules now anyway. I've seen vague shit about limits on domestic players? That can't be right, should be the other way around.

I’m sure Chuks Aneke was an exceptional talent at under 18 level. If this Kaba fellow isn’t playing for a league one club in five years time I’ll find my way back to this barren hellscape and admit I was precipitous in my dismissal


I’m not singling him or the hyphenated one out, I have no idea if they are any good or not. I’m just going on the basis of the career trajectory of the vast majority of academy players

[Niall_Quinn]

I’m sure Chuks Aneke was an exceptional talent at under 18 level. If this Kaba fellow isn’t playing for a league one club in five years time I’ll find my way back to this barren hellscape and admit I was precipitous in my dismissal


I’m not singling him or the hyphenated one out, I have no idea if they are any good or not. I’m just going on the basis of the career trajectory of the vast majority of academy players

We have two academy players in the squad right now. Both would and should start when available. We saw Calafiore last night, yes? And we have Sterling who can play there. Big names, big wages, big nothing. Thank fuck for these two kids eh?

Nobody is saying Kabia and Oyedeji are going to come on and set the game on fire first time out, although they might compared to the shit we have out there. Sure, Arteta has seen them develop so he has a decent idea of what they are capable of. Then again, he's also playing Merino as a striker and keeps bringing Zinchenko on when we need goals, so it's possible he's not infallible. The season is dead, pissed down the drain for want of a few quid investment. So we didn't make that investment in the transfer window, time to see what our investment in the academy looks like.

As you say, you haven't even seen the player. But you already know he's destined for zero? Based on stats? So let's shut the academy down then - no point, they're all shite. Let's stick with the players who are tearing it up out there, doing the business.

[IBK]

Firstly - I watched last nights game feeling a lot more phlegmatic than in recent times - in some ways it's relief that the title has gone.

Secondly I saw our players - and our manager with his tactics - at least trying, and playing with some intent. This was something that was absent against West Ham and largely against Leicester. Also, one mistaken clearance aside, we leant into our defensive ability to keep a dangerous Nottingham Forest team out.

I thought we would lose this - so a 0-0 draw was in itself not a bad result - albeit that this conclusion shows how far we have fallen short.

I'm mercurial at the best of times, but today for me Stephen Warnock's comments on MOTD sum it up. If Liverpool were without Salah; Jota; Gakpo and Diaz they would not be in the position they are in.

If we keep playing like this, goals are still going to be like hen's teeth but we should make top 4, given the returns of Martinelli and Saka next month.

It's been a horrible season. I've mentally chalked it off (including the CL). Sad to have to do this in February, but it is what it is. As a Gooner I am used to this feeling.

[HCZ_Reborn]

We have two academy players in the squad right now. Both would and should start when available. We saw Calafiore last night, yes? And we have Sterling who can play there. Big names, big wages, big nothing. Thank fuck for these two kids eh?

Nobody is saying Kabia and Oyedeji are going to come on and set the game on fire first time out, although they might compared to the shit we have out there. Sure, Arteta has seen them develop so he has a decent idea of what they are capable of. Then again, he's also playing Merino as a striker and keeps bringing Zinchenko on when we need goals, so it's possible he's not infallible. The season is dead, pissed down the drain for want of a few quid investment. So we didn't make that investment in the transfer window, time to see what our investment in the academy looks like.

As you say, you haven't even seen the player. But you already know he's destined for zero? Based on stats? So let's shut the academy down then - no point, they're all shite. Let's stick with the players who are tearing it up out there, doing the business.

Nope I’d rather have Calafiori starting than MLS. The latter is better defensively than what is essentially playing a centre back at left back. But as slow and out of position as Calafiori is, he’s better on the ball. No way MLS is turning his man the way the Italian did before hitting the bar last night.

In fact I’d argue it was too cautious on Arteta’s part to take him off, sure Tierney can put in crosses but ultimately crosses when no one is in the box is a rather worthless spectacle….though I’m sure Tierney would remember a similar thing from four years ago (and that’s even when we had Auba and Laca in the side)

[Niall_Quinn]

Nope I’d rather have Calafiori starting than MLS. The latter is better defensively than what is essentially playing a centre back at left back. But as slow and out of position as Calafiori is, he’s better on the ball. No way MLS is turning his man the way the Italian did before hitting the bar last night.

In fact I’d argue it was too cautious on Arteta’s part to take him off, sure Tierney can put in crosses but ultimately crosses when no one is in the box is a rather worthless spectacle….though I’m sure Tierney would remember a similar thing from four years ago (and that’s even when we had Auba and Laca in the side)

Yeah, apart from the fact Calafiore shouldn't have been there to hit that ball! WTF? We start the game with both the fullbacks providing support for our wide forwards and it was working, we were pulling Forest all over the place. Then Cala decided he was Roy of the Rovers. Our "striker" Merino spent most of his time covering for players who appointed themselves to the centre forward role, it was a joke. By the end there was no shape, no tactics, nothing. That game last night was like watching a mental breakdown on fast forward. We started off sane and by the end it was a basket case, thanks to undisciplined players like Calafiore, who got subbed I notice.

Yes, I agree, efficient wide play is pointless when nobody is attacking the goal centrally. No arguments there, we're currently shite in the box. January transfer window striker, and so on.

[HCZ_Reborn]

Yeah, apart from the fact Calafiore shouldn't have been there to hit that ball! WTF? We start the game with both the fullbacks providing support for our wide forwards and it was working, we were pulling Forest all over the place. Then Cala decided he was Roy of the Rovers. Our "striker" Merino spent most of his time covering for players who appointed themselves to the centre forward role, it was a joke. By the end there was no shape, no tactics, nothing. That game last night was like watching a mental breakdown on fast forward. We started off sane and by the end it was a basket case, thanks to undisciplined players like Calafiore, who got subbed I notice.

Yes, I agree, efficient wide play is pointless when nobody is attacking the goal centrally. No arguments there, we're currently shite in the box. January transfer window striker, and so on.

He was subbed because he was on a yellow.

I don’t even know what point you’re now making, on one hand we don’t mix it up enough on the other hand you’re criticising a player for positional indiscipline. Maybe choose a lane.


Yeah it would help if we had a striker on the end of a conventional full backs cross, but given we both agree that we don’t….

[Niall_Quinn]

He was subbed because he was on a yellow.

I don’t even know what point you’re now making, on one hand we don’t mix it up enough on the other hand you’re criticising a player for positional indiscipline. Maybe choose a lane.


Yeah it would help if we had a striker on the end of a conventional full backs cross, but given we both agree that we don’t….

You do know what I'm saying because I was clear in explaining it. We started the game with the fullbacks supporting the forwards in wider positions - tried, tested, traditional and a basic part of the game forever. Then we switched and compressed everything through the middle - who knows why? Maybe Forest forced us into that but I didn't notice any switch on their part. We went from stretching the defence to giving them the day off. If only the exponentially greedy PL would allow full match replays so we could actually look at these things in detail.

I was quite encouraged in the first 10 minutes. But then Timber went to sleep, Calafiore went anywhere and everywhere seemingly at whim, Trossard drifted out of the game and into one of his worst performances I can remember and Nwaneri ended up isolated and also had to come central just to get a sniff. Shambles.

Perhaps Calafiore was subbed because of the particularly stupid yellow he picked up in the first couple of minutes, all the more reason to condemn that performance. Perhaps not. Hasn't Arteta left carded players dangling out there for over-zealous refs before? Well, we don't know but that doesn't make Calafiore's performance any better. Not saying MLS doesn't do this either. It's exciting to see him move inside and smack the ball into the net, one the one occasion a season it happens. Better if he was running the flank allowing Trossard to do more than tap the ball back into the midfield while surrounded. Don't know why we didn't give White 45 minutes on the other side, is he fit or not? He got 3 minutes at the end, for some reason.

When I say mix things up I don't mean everyone swap roles and positions randomly. As you know.

[IBK]

Nope I’d rather have Calafiori starting than MLS. The latter is better defensively than what is essentially playing a centre back at left back. But as slow and out of position as Calafiori is, he’s better on the ball. No way MLS is turning his man the way the Italian did before hitting the bar last night.

In fact I’d argue it was too cautious on Arteta’s part to take him off, sure Tierney can put in crosses but ultimately crosses when no one is in the box is a rather worthless spectacle….though I’m sure Tierney would remember a similar thing from four years ago (and that’s even when we had Auba and Laca in the side)

I think the truth is that bereft of forwards as we are, Calafiori adds goal threat that MLS doesn't. We lose some security in defence, but we just about got away with it in the first half against a very good counter-attacking team.

[HCZ_Reborn]

You do know what I'm saying because I was clear in explaining it.

As I pointed out in the other thread, you are about as clear as cataracts

End of the day I’m going against my better judgement. There’s no point in me mocking Letters for getting in a back and forth with you until the end of time itself, only for me to do the same thing

I’ve made an argument repeatedly. You don’t accept it, you don’t have to of course but I also have to factor in that I’m dealing with someone who’d sooner take a selfie with George Soros than ever having to change their mind on anything.

[HCZ_Reborn]

I think the truth is that bereft of forwards as we are, Calafiori adds goal threat that MLS doesn't. We lose some security in defence, but we just about got away with it in the first half against a very good counter-attacking team.

Yeah that’s my view in a lot fewer words :lol:

[Niall_Quinn]

As I pointed out in the other thread, you are about as clear as cataracts

End of the day I’m going against my better judgement. There’s no point in me mocking Letters for getting in a back and forth with you until the end of time itself, only for me to do the same thing

I’ve made an argument repeatedly. You don’t accept it, you don’t have to of course but I also have to factor in that I’m dealing with someone who’d sooner take a selfie with George Soros than ever having to change their mind on anything.

I know you've made tour argument repeatedly. But you've ignored mine.

In a nutshell:

Me: Vary our play.

You: Can't, don't have the players.

Me: Get different players then.

You: General insults, mount high horse, ride off.

[HCZ_Reborn]

I know you've made tour argument repeatedly. But you've ignored mine.

In a nutshell:

Me: Vary our play.

You: Can't, don't have the players.

Me: Get different players then.

You: General insults, mount high horse, ride off.


Ah right goalpost shifting

I’m talking about the here and now. If your argument is that we should get different players in the summer (which it isn’t, your argument is we would be doing better in the games right now if not for Tippedy tappidy) then completely different argument.

Dishonest as well as drunk and silly