The Arsenal v Bournemouth, Saturday 3 May, 5.30pm, Emirates Stadium (and on TV somewhere if people can be bothered to watch)

[Mac76]

So forget second-place trophies, forget 'momentum', we need to rest players and focus on next week:

Neto

Nichols White Kacurri Sweet

M'Hand Zin Tierney

Kabia NBO Sterling

I'd genuinely love to see that side, it would be refreshing and give these kids some great experience - we might even, like, win...

In fact the only one I'm not sure about is Sterling :lol:

[HCZ_Reborn]

I admire your persistence on this topic but for two reasons I disagree

The defeat on Tuesday makes me want second place more not less, and with respect I simply don’t care about all the reasons given as to why I shouldn’t care. I do care, I do want it….there we are.

Secondly I think in order to get anything next Wednesday (I think the tie is over, but of course I think we should try and do everything to defy that belief) I think we need to treat Bournemouth like a dress rehearsal. I don’t think it’s a case of simply putting Partey back in the team, it’s a case of taking Odegaard out of it and giving the players a chance to play together with the same team we will go with on Wednesday. Being hyper focused on preventing injuries, I think arguably could play on the players minds.

But so this would be my team


Raya, Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, MLS, Partey, Rice, Saka, Martinelli, Merino, Nwaneri


Get the win, show that this is a purposeful lineup and then worry about resting players

[Marc Overmars]

We will wake up from our slumber?

My guess is no.

1–1 or I think we may even lose.

[Mac76]

@HCZ

I agree that's probably the other way to go, as we've seen resting some and playing others just makes a mess sometimes, part of the reason I'd genuinely like to see my lineup is that the academy players actually do play together regularly and know each other

For the momentum lovers here, the problem with your lineup is that if we have a bad day at the office and lose say 1-3, how's that for building confidence?

That said he'll obvs go more your way, though while he may not start Ode but he'll play at some point (though I agree with you 100% he needs to be dropped, it's what a more experienced coach would do)

[HCZ_Reborn]

We will wake up from our slumber?

My guess is no.

1–1 or I think we may even lose.

First game of the league season where we are playing a team where we lost the reverse fixture. It’s so strange that the league campaign has been a disaster in so many ways but yet we could potentially lose the fewest amount of games in a season for almost twenty years

[Marc Overmars]

First game of the league season where we are playing a team where we lost the reverse fixture. It’s so strange that the league campaign has been a disaster in so many ways but yet we could potentially lose the fewest amount of games in a season for almost twenty years

Would happily take a few more defeats if it also meant converting a few those draws into wins.

Draws are the silent killer.

[Letters]

I'm not even going to waste a "I hope we..." on this one. I do hope that, but the PSG game is the last hope for this season.
Sigh.

[HCZ_Reborn]

I'm not even going to waste a "I hope we..." on this one. I do hope that, but the PSG game is the last hope for this season.
Sigh.


https://cacm.acm.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/092018_Perspectiva_Leia-Hologram.jpg

Help us Qatari Sports Investments, you’re our only hope!

[Letters]

:haha:

[IBK]

I admire your persistence on this topic but for two reasons I disagree

The defeat on Tuesday makes me want second place more not less, and with respect I simply don’t care about all the reasons given as to why I shouldn’t care. I do care, I do want it….there we are.

Secondly I think in order to get anything next Wednesday (I think the tie is over, but of course I think we should try and do everything to defy that belief) I think we need to treat Bournemouth like a dress rehearsal. I don’t think it’s a case of simply putting Partey back in the team, it’s a case of taking Odegaard out of it and giving the players a chance to play together with the same team we will go with on Wednesday. Being hyper focused on preventing injuries, I think arguably could play on the players minds.

But so this would be my team


Raya, Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, MLS, Partey, Rice, Saka, Martinelli, Merino, Nwaneri


Get the win, show that this is a purposeful lineup and then worry about resting players

I agree with this. There are 3 remaining league fixtures and if we are very lucky 2 CL matches to go. This is not the time to try to avoid injuries. As you say we need to be as sharp as possible going into next Wednesday's game in Paris.

[Mac76]

This is not the time to try to avoid injuries

Even if it's Rice? or Saka (fully fit or not)? or Raya? or Saliba? or MLS? or Partey? or Timber? or even Kiwior?


we need to be as sharp as possible going into next Wednesday's game in Paris.

Sharpness partly depends on energy levels

and in any case, you people know we do training sessions right? where players practice and discuss tactics for, like, the next game?

[Niall_Quinn]

Play the kids.

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

I admire your persistence on this topic but for two reasons I disagree

The defeat on Tuesday makes me want second place more not less, and with respect I simply don’t care about all the reasons given as to why I shouldn’t care. I do care, I do want it….there we are.

Secondly I think in order to get anything next Wednesday (I think the tie is over, but of course I think we should try and do everything to defy that belief) I think we need to treat Bournemouth like a dress rehearsal. I don’t think it’s a case of simply putting Partey back in the team, it’s a case of taking Odegaard out of it and giving the players a chance to play together with the same team we will go with on Wednesday. Being hyper focused on preventing injuries, I think arguably could play on the players minds.

But so this would be my team


Raya, Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, MLS, Partey, Rice, Saka, Martinelli, Merino, Nwaneri


Get the win, show that this is a purposeful lineup and then worry about resting players

:gp:...let's get some momentum going :scarf:

But seriously though, we have to take this tie seriously as a bird in hand has always been worth more than two in the bush.

Also in the lineup, I'd probably rest Timber, as he'll need as much rest as possible to prepare for the nightmare that will be Kvara in the next leg :lol:

Saka too, so we might need to bring in Trossard for a half.

Also, if Arteta is truly learning from his mistakes like IBK seems to believe, Nwaneri should get the full 90 mins in this game. I'm pretty sure he won't though.

[HCZ_Reborn]

Nwaneri is a very good young player but sometimes I fear that he might be victim to the expectations we might have of him. And for that reason, and only that reason I can see why Arteta is sparing with his game time. That said albeit due to circumstance, for a player his age he has managed a fair bit of first team action this season (far more than Saka had, had at the same age)

I’m not sure where Arteta sees his future for sure, although the indications are that given he didn’t get a lot of first team game time when Odegaard was injured but he did when Saka was injured that he sees his role as being on the wing.


I think he’s talented enough to do a good job there, I’m not convinced that’s his natural position or where the player indeed sees himself playing.

[Mac76]

Nwaneri probably doesn't know whether he's coming or going because while he's being hailed as a wunderkind, he isn't, unlike MLS, getting enough minutes, which is mainly down to Arteta, not starting him in the Palace game was inexplicable and, if people want to talk about building confidence and momentum, that IMO works for individual players much more than a whole side

[HCZ_Reborn]

Team to play Bournemouth: Raya; White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli
Subs: Setford, Tierney, Zinchenko, Clarke, Merino, Gower, Nwaneri, Sterling, Butler-Oyedeji

Hmmm not too surprising I guess. Though makes me think Merino is not going to be played up front for the rest of the season. Timber being out is a worry too

[Mac76]

Merino is better at 9 than Leo but given he's gone full-strength (minus Timber) we have to assume this will be the PSG lineup

Cue 90+ minutes of hoping no-one gets injured..

[McNamara That Ghost...]

This makes me think Merino will start on Wednesday tbh

[Mac76]

Btw starting Saka is insane, he's clearly not fully fitEvery time I think Arteta's learning he proves he isn't

I was beginning to be hopeful we might turn things around v PSG but if he's going to thrash Saka and other players into the ground as usual we've no chance

[McNamara That Ghost...]

How do you become fit then?

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Team to play Bournemouth: Raya; White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli
Subs: Setford, Tierney, Zinchenko, Clarke, Merino, Gower, Nwaneri, Sterling, Butler-Oyedeji

Hmmm not too surprising I guess. Though makes me think Merino is not going to be played up front for the rest of the season. Timber being out is a worry too

Bournemouth: Arrizabalaga, Araujo, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez, Cook, Adams, Tavernier, Kluivert, Ouattara, Evanilson
Subs: Dennis, Senesi, Smith, Soler, Hill, Brooks, Scott, Jebbison, Semenyo

[HCZ_Reborn]

How do you become fit then?

I don’t think it’s a case of playing you way to fitness, think it’s a case of being used more sparingly.

Don’t think hes still carrying an injury or some shit, but energy levels aren’t there

[Mac76]

Here we are now, entertain us

[HCZ_Reborn]

Why is Odegaard still on free kick duties?

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Rice puts it wide.

[HCZ_Reborn]

Rice scores from an Odegaard pass

[Mac76]

Good goal but Boirnemouth should've had at least two, they're really cutting through us at times

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Raya's concentration levels in the league have sunk like a stone.

[HCZ_Reborn]

Raya's concentration levels in the league have sunk like a stone.

I think it’s less his concentration levels and more his height levels. He’s the shortest keeper in the premier league so players trying to lob him

[McNamara That Ghost...]

MLS incisive passing. :bow:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

1-1 Huijsen.

[Letters]

Drawing drawing Arsenal :bow:

End the stream, blud!

[HCZ_Reborn]

Drawing drawing Arsenal :bow:

End the stream, blud!


Not drawing anymore

[McNamara That Ghost...]

1-2 Evanilson.

Jesus.

[dazthegooner]

I think it’s less his concentration levels and more his height levels. He’s the shortest keeper in the premier league so players trying to lob him
Also think it’s why we’re looking to buy Garcia next season.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

It'll be handball.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Or not. :haha:

[Marc Overmars]

Bottlers.

[HCZ_Reborn]

Or not. :haha:

It won’t be handball because it’s not us

[HCZ_Reborn]

We are set for our first defeat where we scored first (and in fact our first defeat where we score at all) since December 2023

[HCZ_Reborn]

This is exactly like the Havertz goal they chalked off for us in January

But this is utterly pathetic from us

[Letters]

Not drawing anymore

Ah. Then have an upgrade to: end the season, fam!

[Letters]

Bottlers.

:haha:

What have we bottled? We were never in the title race.
2nd isn’t a trophy

[HCZ_Reborn]

:haha:

What have we bottled? We were never in the title race.
2nd isn’t a trophy

The game ?

We had a one goal lead in the game

Not bad enough to be drawing games, we are going to lose this one


Plus you realise we are at Anfield next. We could finish outside the top five

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Becoming a collapse.

[HCZ_Reborn]

Arteta can fuck off, bringing on Sterling

[Marc Overmars]

:haha:

What have we bottled? We were never in the title race.
2nd isn’t a trophy

Top 5 isn’t even assured and you’re asking me what we’ve bottled?

This has been a disgrace of a season and the inquest will rightfully be had when PSG dump us out next week.

[HCZ_Reborn]

Utter fucking joke this is

Unforgivable

[HCZ_Reborn]

Arteta has to go, being doubled by Bournemouth? There’s no context that makes that ok

[HCZ_Reborn]

1-2 FT

Arteta can fuck off, complete and utter cunt

How dare he. Turn our club into something so pathetic like that

[Mac76]

Momentum :bow::

Dress rehearsal :bow:

Terrible

[Letters]

This has been a disgrace of a season.
Well, no argument there.
But we haven’t bottled anything, we were never in a position to.

[HCZ_Reborn]

Well, no argument there.
But we haven’t bottled anything, we were never in a position to.

We bottled the game

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Hopeless second half.

Rancid. And well my feelings on this are already clear.

It's hard to even want to watch on Wednesday.

[HCZ_Reborn]

Hopeless second half.

Rancid. And well my feelings on this are already clear.

It's hard to even want to watch on Wednesday.

Well I might have a bit more sympathy with you on the Mo issue in this one (haven’t changed my mind about the palace game though)

Completely Toothless.

[Letters]

We bottled the game

I’m not even convinced that’s a thing

[HCZ_Reborn]

I’m not even convinced that’s a thing

Of course you can bottle a game, and we did

We had the lead and we threw it away

That was down to nerves

[HCZ_Reborn]

Being doubled by Bournemouth. That’s a fucking disgrace

Same shit is going to happen with Newcastle isn’t it

Four games without a win at home. We don’t even have defensive solidity to point to anymore

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Well I might have a bit more sympathy with you on the Mo issue in this one (haven’t changed my mind about the palace game though)

Completely Toothless.

If they do turn in a listless performance, it's not acceptable.

As in, I won't be sad for any of them bar one or two to be phased out of the side.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Standards have dropped probably fatally, in football terms.

[HCZ_Reborn]

If they do turn in a listless performance, it's not acceptable.

As in, I won't be sad for any of them bar one or two to be phased out of the side.

The players aren’t responsible for this, the coach is

He’s got to go. Everyone deep down knows this, even those in the cult of Arteta in the online world

[Marc Overmars]

In a genuine fight now to finish top 5.

Words fail me. This team and its coach stinks, what a huge regression this season. Totally unforgivable drop off.

[Mac76]

Of course you can bottle a game, and we did

We had the lead and we threw it away

That was down to nerves

Why would they be nervous of Bournemourh?

Do calm down, we lost a game, the only bottler is Ode in front of goal,it's shameful that he just won't take a shot

For me it proves why we should have fielded an alternative team, they couldn't have done worse and now we've run people'a batteries down even further and done nothing for so-called momentum

[McNamara That Ghost...]

The players aren’t responsible for this, the coach is

He’s got to go. Everyone deep down knows this, even those in the cult of Arteta in the online world

You might be right but there's no way he is going.

[HCZ_Reborn]

Why would they be nervous of Bournemourh?

Do calm down, we lost a game, the only bottler is Ode in front of goal,it's shameful that he just won't take a shot

For me it proves why we should have fielded an alternative team, they couldn't have done worse and now we've run people'a batteries down even further and done nothing for so-called momentum

We are now in a real dogfight potentially for top 5 and your answer is we should have made things even worse

We were nervous because of our habbit of getting a lead and not holding onto it, because there’s not enough goals in the team

[Mac76]

I blame the players much less than I do Arteta and also the club, they've been let down by poor squad building and management

[Letters]

Of course you can bottle a game, and we did

We had the lead and we threw it away

That was down to nerves

Nerves about what? We didn’t need a win to secure the title.
Fine, you can bottle a game in the context of a title run in. We aren’t in one.
It just feels like we have collectively given up. It’s pretty pathetic.
Obviously a turnaround on Wednesday would mitigate.
I still haven’t completely given up that although I am edging towards team Maccy in that you can’t keep on getting poor results and then suddenly turn it on for a big game

[Mac76]

We are now in a real dogfight potentially for top 5 and your answer is we should have made things even worse

We were nervous because of our habbit of getting a lead and not holding onto it, because there’s not enough goals in the team

How could it be worse than losing :shrug:

Oh and genuinely no offence but it's 'habit' btw

[Letters]

You might be right but there's no way he is going.

I wonder whether he will survive another season without a trophy. I don’t mean this year, I mean next. They have backed him financially with very little return.
Big summer coming up.

[HCZ_Reborn]

How could it be worse than losing :shrug:

Oh and genuinely no offence but it's 'habit' btw

Because we didn’t lose to Palace, Everton, Brentford

And you’ve been crying out for us to play a significantly weakened team for weeks

[Mac76]

I wonder whether he will survive another season without a trophy. I don’t mean this year, I mean next. They have backed him financially with very little return.
Big summer coming up.

Yeah one more trophyless year and there will be big questions asked, if I was Arteta I might look for a move this summer before his bubble bursts entirely

And if we win the CL he might jump ship anyway

[Mac76]

Because we didn’t lose to Palace, Everton, Brentford

And you’ve been crying out for us to play a significantly weakened team for weeks

Different doesn't necessarily mean weaker

If the first team is tired and saving themselves for a 'bigger' game that leads to a 'weakened' team anyway doesn't it?

Especially compared with 'fringe' players who'd jump at the chance to get a start and do their damnest to keep their place in the team

[HCZ_Reborn]

Different doesn't necessarily mean weaker

If the first team is tired and saving themselves for a 'bigger' game that leads to a 'weakened' team anyway doesn't it?

Especially compared with 'fringe' players who'd jump at the chance to get a start and do their damnest to keep their place in the team

The idea that the players were saving themselves for Wednesday is supposition.

And yes it does mean weakened if you’re replacing first team players with those from the academy. Players who even if they were good enough have next to no experience at this level.

The first team was played in more or less its entirety because we needed to win because the teams around us are closing in.

The nerves I’ve mentioned are because the only team in the league we’ve beaten in over a month is Ipswich town. We can’t hold onto leads so a 1-0 lead made us nervous, we are as I’ve said a confidence team so we make mistakes when we are nervous.

[HCZ_Reborn]

As for fringe players. Who exactly

Jorginho is injured, Calafiori is injured, you detest Zinchenko, Sterling im sorry but we really have persisted with him and it’s getting no better…his legs have gone…he’s finished at this level. So then we are left with Nwaneri…well no quarrel there id have played him today instead of Odegaard

We don’t actually have that big a squad after the summer because we wanted to lighten the wage bill

[Mac76]

...and they have little experience because they're never given a chance, so it becomes a self-fulfiling prophecy

If I was a manager I'd be rotating and switching things regualarly, giving everyone .minutes and keeping the opposition guessing

[Mac76]

As for fringe players. Who exactly

Jorginho is injured, Calafiori is injured, you detest Zinchenko, Sterling im sorry but we really have persisted with him and it’s getting no better…his legs have gone…he’s finished at this level. So then we are left with Nwaneri…well no quarrel there id have played him today instead of Odegaard

We don’t actually have that big a squad after the summer because we wanted to lighten the wage bill

Tierney, Nwaneri, NBO, Setford, Kabia, M'Hand, Nichols...

I also wouldn't have loaned out Vieira, or certainly would have brought him back in January

[Mac76]

Apparently Timber may not be fit for Weds, White got burned a few times today, don't fancy 90 mins of that v PSG

[HCZ_Reborn]

...and they have little experience because they're never given a chance, so it becomes a self-fulfiling prophecy

If I was a manager I'd be rotating and switching things regualarly, giving everyone .minutes and keeping the opposition guessing

And you’re not a football manager (and probably for good reason too….not to say I’d be any better)

The reason Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri were promoted was because they were ear marked as being top players, a lot of the others on the bench only make the bench because of how thin the squad is

And even with those two, it’s buttressed by them being surrounded by first team players. If you have a team of half fringe players and half academy players it’s the blind leading the blind

Don’t get me wrong Arteta doesn’t rotate enough, but there’s degrees and when Claudio Ranieri was called the Tinkerman it wasn’t a moniker of respect (and ironically the biggest thing he won in his career was done with a largely settled XI week in, week out)

[HCZ_Reborn]

Tierney, Nwaneri, NBO, Setford, Kabia, M'Hand, Nichols...

I also wouldn't have loaned out Vieira, or certainly would have brought him back in January

That rather illustrates my point somewhat doesn’t it. Apart from Nwaneri who I’ve already said id have played…the only fringe player who you’ve listed is Tierney, the rest are all Hale Enders who have next to no first team experience (and I can’t help but feel that they only appear on the bench because of the amount of injuries we have, they are the unintended).

[Niall_Quinn]

Excellent result. Because we also did badly in our other games before CL matches, it means we'll do really well on Wednesday. Bloody glad we didn't win this. It wouldn't do to carry a string of wins into the most important game of the season. Far better we are off form, losing matches.

[Niall_Quinn]

Tierney, Nwaneri, NBO, Setford, Kabia, M'Hand, Nichols...

I also wouldn't have loaned out Vieira, or certainly would have brought him back in January

He's right. We'd have probably lost if we played them. Better to go with the tried and tested to secure our losses. These players don't give a shit about the club or the fans, that much is very, very obvious. It's all badge kissing TV theatrics and pay-me-money interviews. Whatever happens , they'll still all be getting 100K a week.

Said it many times, sticking with it. Modern players are shit and they aren't fit to lace the boots pf real players.

[Niall_Quinn]

After all that. we're going to finish below City. That's disgraceful, every last person down to the tea lady - and CERTAINLY half the loser fans - are responsible for this.

[Mac76]

Apparently, while PSG also lost this weekend, they very much rotated players, that's what smart grown-up managers do

Arteta's naivete will cost us on Wednesday, he's trashed all we had left

[HCZ_Reborn]

Apparently, while PSG also lost this weekend, they very much rotated players, that's what smart grown-up managers do

Arteta's naivete will cost us on Wednesday, he's trashed all we had left

PSG who have already got the title sewn up ? That PSG?

[Marc Overmars]

I’d wager that we still wouldn’t have won even if we had rotated heavily today.

This team has burned out, only something miraculous will get them going now. They were never good enough this season, it’s been a sham.

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

Excellent result. Because we also did badly in our other games before CL matches, it means we'll do really well on Wednesday. Bloody glad we didn't win this. It wouldn't do to carry a string of wins into the most important game of the season. Far better we are off form, losing matches.

:gp: Couldn't watch the game as I was too busy living life...which I encourage more of us do as tying your day to a disappointment like Arteta, will eventually take its toll on your physical health.

I have to hope against hope that we are able to turn it on against PSG...... however whatever happens in the CL, Arteta deserves the sack or at least a clear ultimatum.

[Mac76]

PSG who have already got the title sewn up ? That PSG?

It doesn't alter the fact that Enrique demonstrably realises that rotating your players ahead of a major game is the way to go

Playing the first team hasn't helped our league position so what good has it done

I literally said before the game, what will it do for confidence or momentum if we play the first team and lose, it's on the first page of this thread...

[Letters]

PSG who have already got the title sewn up ? That PSG?

Wait...but NQ said that winners keep going regardless of that. :unsure:

[Niall_Quinn]

Wait...but NQ said that winners keep going regardless of that. :unsure:

Why don't you just answer him instead of trying to be something that is beyond you - a smart arse. Cut the smart and you are what you are.

If PSG disrespected their game today then my argument holds up just fine. That argument being - football is now a fashion parade where hairstyles are more important than the game itself. And I haven't seen a team since Leicester that makes me think differently.

[Letters]

That argument being - football is now a fashion parade where hairstyles are more important than the game itself. And I haven't seen a team since Leicester that makes me think differently.

That is one thing we are largely aligned on. It's why I prefer going to see the mighty Enfield Town FC play. Fan owned club and it feels more fun at that level.

[Mac76]

This idea that choosing a different side is disrespectlul to paying fans holds no weight with me, I'm one of the few people on here to go and watch the games and I actually want to see more of the Academy players or fringe players given a chance, I enjoy seeing a new talent coming through

Butler-Oyedeji had a decent shot vs Ipswich when he came on recently, why not give him a chance today when we needed a goal instead of Sterling?

[Mac76]

Oh and btw, for all the must-get-second-place fanatics, Liverpool were third last year...

[HCZ_Reborn]

It doesn't alter the fact that Enrique demonstrably realises that rotating your players ahead of a major game is the way to go

Playing the first team hasn't helped our league position so what good has it done

I literally said before the game, what will it do for confidence or momentum if we play the first team and lose, it's on the first page of this thread...

Yes but the point of playing your first team is to (in principle) ensure you don’t lose

You come at it from the perspective that we have nothing to play for in the league and that unfortunately has proven to be incorrect.

Arteta did rest players between European games, not sufficiently enough for your liking but he did and we arguably landed ourselves in a situation where we needed to play the first team tonight because of how close things are.

So really I don’t get the logic. Could easily be argued that if we’d played a stronger team against say Brentford or Palace (although Palace most of the first team started) we could have put out a jumbled team tonight

[Mac76]

Actually I'm not saying there's nothing to play for, though I'm not bothered about second as much as others, I'm saying that failing to rotate doesn't help us in either the league or the CL, as has been proved today, by being naive and playing the first team, Arteta has now decreased our chances of winning on Weds

[HCZ_Reborn]

Oh and btw, for all the must-get-second-place fanatics, Liverpool were third last year...

Ok not sure what that’s relevant to

I don’t want second place because we can’t win the title next season without it. I want second place because I want us to finish as high up the table as possible.