Gabriel says that we are one-two years away from being back with the “Sweet 16” of Europe because Arteta has a good plan and he is convinced that under Arteta, the club will start winning silverware and that he (Gabs) wants to be part of it…
I am also convinced that Arteta has a decent plan but (i) Will he backed up sufficiently in the transfer market to transform his vision into tangible results/success; and (ii) Will the other teams (City, Chelsea, Utd, Liverpool, Tottenham ,Newcastle, Everton, Real, Barca, Bayern, Juve, Inter, PSG, Monacao…) not strengthen either or strengthen/improve at a slower pace than us?
What do you think?
PS: Auba has found his scoring boots again at Barcelona: 5 goals in 6 games…We better make an astute CF acquisition over the summer, not to have regrets
Arsenal News 24/7
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Thanks, RC. Still finding good stuff to write in the face of apparent lethargy by the rest of us.
First, on the Auba news: I actually think his sudden burst of scoring reinforces the decision to move him on. He would not be doing it at Arsenal – even if he was allowed to play! I don’t believe (without any evidence) that he wasn’t trying in the past eighteen months. But that little spark of focus was missing -and that has made all the difference. I wish him well at Barca. He will never be an Arsenal legend, but he was a fun player to watch for a while.
To your main matter: despite the negativity that surrounded Arteta’s early tenure, I was always confident that he had what it takes – and said so on here a year or so ago. He clearly had a plan, starting with the shambolic defence he inherited, and the need to shore it up until he could bring in reinforcements. For a while it made the football rather turgid, but you could see improvements. Next he had to try to instil good habits, starting with fitness and a willingness to press. Again, while the team appeared rather robotic, the incremental steps forward were apparent. Now we had the splendid summer transfer business, that was so good, it perplexed Gary Neville.
Arteta is approaching the stage of evolution where he only needs a tweak here and there, the right player brought in. The foundations are sound. He has created a tough unit, hard to beat, who will try and try to the final whistle. The core team is already delivering on its promise despite its callowness. They will get better.
For all of which, I’m happy to buy into Gabriel’s comments. Provided Putin (now what’s that in French?) doesn’t nuke us all, the Arsenal future is bright.
I like your Putin in French comment @Maxwell
I think we do need 2 players in our starting line-up (DM/CM + 1 CF) and probably a few squad players, also depending on what we do with AMN and Saliba…
Ramsdale – Tomy, White, Gabs, Tierney – Partey, PHILIPPS? – Saka, Ode, ESR – C.LEWIN
Turner – RECRUIT, Saliba?, Holding, Nuno – Lokonga, Xhaka – AMN?, Pepe, Martinelli – Balogun (or Laca or Nketiah or another one?)
Anyways, at least, there is some optimism out of this group
I think some Leeds players like K. Phillips and Raphina would be tempted by a move away from Leeds even if they stay in the EPL. They are both quality players.
Also – @notowar
I find it really hard to imagine not buying a minimum of 2 players in the summer. A forward of course and almost certainly a Xhaka upgrade. There will probably be a surprise or 2 there always is.
So apparently…Pogba will come to PSG, meaning that one of Wiljnaldum, Herrera or Gueye leaves…
Starters: Verratti, Paredes, Pogba
Back-up: Djino-Djambe, Danilo, Simons (?)
So far the Arteta reconstruction has been successful and AFC have supported his needs pretty well. What amazes me is the talent we have playing on loan. Saliba is doing very well, a lot of the youth players are also doing well and even those who aren’t regulars are improving. We have great youth teams and there will be sufficient talent available in the transfer market in the summer to fill in the gaps so all is well with the AFC, imho.
Fire sale at the Bridge.
So where were we until we were so rudely interrupted, ah yes,
One Team in London, there’s only one team in London.
well said Maxwell. I agree on PEA, I was also very sceptical of Arteta at the start but prepared to support him as our manager however it took a while for me to warm up to him. My only concern is that he sees us as a stepping stone to go on and coach the likes of Barca or Man Shitty when Pep leaves. But then again, we are not going to see 20yr managers again so why not that he moves on once he gets us back to the “sweet 16” plus a few trophies..
Love the Putain comment.
Have a great weekend everyone (especially those at AA who keep the posts going) and COYG!
Sorry people, been busy lately and quite upset with the Ukraine ordeal. Hope you do no thave friends/relatives in Ukraine or Russia…Crazy world. Covid-19 and now potential nuclear war…what’s going on?
Arteta setting up the third
That’s one down 11 to go I think and forth is ours.