(The not-so-temporary quite-official) Gooner Thread (Part 3)

40m for Iwobi is outrageously good business. He is a horrendous player.

That is what happens when you are so biased , you can't see the wood for the trees. 

Horrendous player is ridiculously harsh; he's a good player, just not a great one - much like Ox and Theo before him.

I really can't believe how a guy who was at the club since he was a kid and largely performed for us - albeit inconsistently - is treated v say, someone like Mkhitaryan who is given the benefit of the doubt most of the time.

https://totalfootballanalysis.com/player-analysis/alex-iwobi-2018-19-scout-report-tactical-analysis-tactics

Luiz for 8m or Maguire for 80m? I know what the better deal is tbh

I appreciate your clarification AJC, for that was why I reacted badly. Sounded very much like a boot in the arse of the players on the way out the door.

I'm not sure why Iwobi get's slated so much, he was 2nd equal on EPL assists with Ramsey last season, was top for dribbles per game, and was in the PL's top 20 for chances created:
https://totalfootballanalysis.com/player-analysis/alex-iwobi-2018-19-scout-report-tactical-analysis-tactics

He might not have hit the back of the net as much as we wanted but he offered more from LW than anyone else did, and I think the only reason we're moving him on is we need the cash and guys like Ozil/Mhikitryan aren't making that possible right now.

Edit: sorry for re-posting Valeo's link, hadn't seen it :)

The Maguire hype made more sense last summer off the back of an excellent world cup. He had an indifferent season with Leicester and I can't believe they've nabbed 80m for him.

Rumours of another CB coming in January, like Upamecano. Even then I'm unsure I'd want the club dropping coin like that on an unproven quality.

I called this back in May after the Europa league...

Can't believe the clubs actually pulled the trigger on 6 new faces (Saliba, Luis, Tierney, Ceballos, Pepe, Martinelli).

Still have concerns over RB for the season until we get Hector back.

Of those players in bold I still think at least 2 will go, but have seen links away for Monreal back to spain and Ozil to USA in January so could still happen.

So ozil isnt even travelling to newcastle but its got nothing to do with football... apparently since the incident with the carjackers we all saw, there have been further "security incidents" for bot ozil nf kolasinac, and both are afraid to leave their families at home, so arsenal have released a stmt and they wont travel... What in the hell??? This shark is crazy!

That was not my point.

Wonder if we'll see Ozil leave sooner. To be fair I won't be too disappointed if he does - and under the circumstances who can blame him (well, no doubt many will).

So, for the game against Newcastle; it sounds like Laca will likely still be too injured to start. With Ozil defintiely out and Emery's comments indicating a conservative start, I'd say;

Leno

AMN-Chambers-Sokratis-Monreal

Xhaka-Guendouzi

Willock

Mkhi - Auba - Nelson

Not tempted to give Luis or Ceballos a start?

Would be interesting if for all our signings we don't start any of them on opening day.

It's crazy, and it's not getting much media attention. I've been trying to figure out what it could be, could be an interesting back story to it if it's not random.

Shark half. Get Pepe on for Mkhitaryan.

What's your video quality like?

3 points, clean sheet. Take that back to London no worries. Good to see the new lads get on as well.

Average.

Go Telecon....errr Spark! I hope fans of the EPL send them a loud clear message about it. After the F1 debarcle, they have had plenty of time to "Get it right". NO excuses.

Ive had nothing but perfect picture thus far

Finally went to a pub for a match. In walks Olivia Wilde and partner Jason Sudeikis to watch the match.

He's got a track record with football:

She, is just outrageously good looking.

On the football side of things that was the perfect away game for me. We looked solid at the back, if a little nervy. Leno made a couple of good saves when required, but we cleared a lot of crosses/corners away and didn't let them create much.

In the final third, as much as Mhikitaryan tried to f*ck it up, we did create some good chances.

I still can't believe we'll left with him starting and we sold Iwobi. 

Price to be paid for Pepe and overpaid under-performers still on the books.

Looking forward to hopefully seeing Pepe, Ceballos, and Laca start at home.

Oh and Willock looks so good. So strong on the ball, rides a challenge so well.

So what's going on with Ozil and Kola? Under poliec guard, didn't travel to Newcastle. Was it more than just an attempted carjacking?

Yes, seems like it. 

Caught up in gang warfare if the piece I read is to be believed.

Don't take this as 100% truth, but the bit I read suggested this as a course of events:

- Attempted carjacking right outside Ozil's house (that we've all seen)

- Then some east european gang issued some kind of "hands off" warning to the london gang involved

- As an act of defiance to that, the london gang decided to double down, and advised that they will not stop, and will in fact escalate efforts to terrorise/harm/steal from Ozil/Kolasinac

- Some other incident then took place, at Ozil's home (details shady)

- Players now afraid to leave families. Apparently Kolasinac's partner/wife has left the country. 

The state of London these days. Crime is through the roof apparently. Doesn't sound like a nice place to be. 

Wowsers that's pretty full on. You'd think they'd be safe enough being escorted to and from training/games etc but who knows what length these gangs will go to and what resources they have. Scary stuff.

Unfortunately it's easy to target footballers because they have a pretty regular schedule. They know where they live. They know where and when they work.

Man am I excited about this weekend. Burnley at home. New signings bedded in one more week. Team selection?

Harsh on Chambers because he looked decent, but I'd be getting Luiz right in there. He's had a full pre-season, he's premier league proven, and we need to get that partnership with Sokratis going. I feel they should be good foil for each other. 

If Ozil and Kola are back, I'd be getting Ozil right in, but probably not Kola. 

I'd be starting Pepe too. Can't be worse than Mkhitaryan was at the weekend, even if he's still getting used to things. 

Lacazette will be fit again too. And if he's up to speed I'd probably throw Torreira in. 

My lineup:

                  Leno

AMN-Sokratis-Luiz-Monreal

          Xhaka-Torreira

        Pepe-Ozil-Auba

             Lacazette

Also, saw a thing last week. Apparently a group has been working hard over the last year with some initiatives to improve the atmosphere at our home games.

Keep an eye out. I could be mistaken but I believe a group in the clock end are organising a bit of a 'red wall' of flags etc, and have been working hard on chants etc to get maximum effect. 

I hope this is all ready to go for Burnley, and will watch with interest. 

I think we can all agree the emirates atmosphere leaves a lot to be desired, would be great to see some real improvements in that area. 

I've heard a rumour that we've got approval for a drum to help coordinate stuff. Fizzing. Can't wait to be there this weekend!

On team selection I'd love to see that in action Paulm, and totally agree about Chambers, but would also say the same for Willock and Guendouzi.

Yea agree brumbys. As much as I enjoy seeing them get game time, and like watching them play, if our big names are fit they gotta play. 

There will be more absences throughout the season, they will get plenty of chances. 

team, i'm travelling through Europe Sept/Oct. Hoping to catch Arsenal vs Palace on 27th Oct at the Emirates. What's the best way to score tickets for this? and how much am I expected to fork out?

I already feel the game I am lining up will include a Zaha hattrick and we lose 3-0 but hey, how good is the atmosphere?

Leno

AMN-Sokratis-Chambers-Monreal

Xhaka-Guendouzi

Nelson-Willock-Auba

Lacazette

Reckon this is what we'll see. Emery is always cautious easing players in - see Torreira last year. He *might* throw Pepe in because it's a home game, but I somewhat doubt it.  He also *may* throw in Ozil, but it really depends where he's at mentally.

I also think it's tough to drop Chambers considering they were reasonably solid last week. Wouldn't send the right message.

So I had never heard of Ceballos before we got him in on loan and even now I am not 100% on how to say his name correctly. But he was everywhere this morning. Made a huge different in midfield. I cant wait to see him play and develop this season. 

Ceballos eh... lad can play...

Love his passion. 

Already feel a bit sick to the stomach at the thought of Anfield next weekend. Not a happy hunting ground in recent times. If they get their tails up it can get very ugly. 

Might be a bit pessimistic but do we consider playing a back 3? I wouldn't be surprised to see it. 

2 from 2 is a great start to the season. Ceballos looked great yesterday, had a work ethic and understanding of responsibilities to match the excellent technique he has. Looking forward to seeing Pepe play against Liverpool this weekend, I fancy us to outscore them if our best 11 is fit.

At least the club is trying to assist with the atmosphere though I personally think drums are a terrible idea. Terracing in the ends of the stadium with more reasonably priced tickets would be better though effect Kroenke's back pocket.

I'm the opposite; it's basically a free hit. Everyone expects us to get smashed. If we lose, we shrug our shoulders and move on. 

Very funny to see Luiz (LCB) and Guendouzi (LCM) swapping positions on the regular. Must be very confusing for the opposition (and the fans..)

Well lads the Emirates was rocking on Saturday! Was so weird going to football at 12.30pm.

Watching Emery live is a delight, he’s so full of movement and support for the guys.

Our midfield was amazing to see on Saturday. Nelson and some of the youngsters look to be playing it a little safe, which leads them to play passes a little too slowly which mean we miss an opportunity. Give them time though and Nelson, Willock, Guendouzi will be humming.

Watching AMN off the ball and he’s clearly owning his fudge ups more. He had a throw in which he botched and next break had his hand up patting his chest to claim it.

Finally Ceballos is amazing to watch live, as is Pepe. There’s this huge expectation when they get the ball and then they deliver. The challenge I think will be how they adapt the game as the other teams come to terms with their ability.

Hey Brumbys, super exciting to hear! I am heading over in October and hoping to tee up some tickets. What's the best way to do that?

Any help appreciated!

Hey mate, drop me an email - my username at gmail and I'll ping you a couple of options.

Well Sunday was a bit pants. Didn’t think we set up well with a narrow 4-4-2. Would rather we started Lacazette ahead of Willock and compressed to a 4-5-1 on defence. All of that is moot when Luiz gives away the penalty, we somehow let Matip  score, and Luiz gets done for the final goal. 

Hopefully it’s lessons learned for NLD on Sunday, big big game.

I personally think Emery had Arsenal setup perfectly for a game at Anfield. If Auba or Pepe (Pepe in particular) had taken their early chances the game would have changed and Emery would be hailed as a tactical genius. Outside of Luiz getting turned by Salah (which happened while Arsenal were chasing the game), Liverpool didn't even look like scoring from open play but they were having legitimate jitters when the ball was turned over. Probably the major criticism is not making changes earlier, Torreira had to come on at half time or earlier ideally, Ceballos was woefully ineffective at both the press and utilising the ball after a press had been won. Not used to the pace of a game like that.