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08 Jan 2025 12:32:37
Hi eds. I heard an interesting rumour from someone with knowledge of the club that told me Edu was actually let go due to dissatisfaction over transfers - under offering on transfer fees / taking too long and not getting targets signed. Any truth to that that?
{Ed001's Note - I am not 100% sure, there was dissatisfaction with some of his dealings, but also he was making eyes at other jobs. In the end it seems to be fairly mutual parting.}
1.) 08 Jan 2025 14:24:32
Thanks for the reply Ed1. Looks to have been handled quietly and professionally by both sides then. It'd be interesting to know where that feeling was coming from in the club (even though no huge public fan unhappiness apart from grumblings with Kai) , and whether that means the club will be as quietly demanding with Mikel - unless coming from him of course, or the lack of a proven goalscorer seen as the essential ingredient and therefore he's doing as well as the club could hope for.
{Ed001's Note - very welcome. I do wonder if him going has turned up the pressure on Arteta, as he does seem, and the team for that matter, a little off lately.}
2.) 09 Jan 2025 20:48:26
Do you think Arteta deserves to be sacked Ed? I think he’s doing terribly and I’ve had enough.
{Ed001's Note - I don't know if he deserves to be sacked, but I do feel he needs to win trophies this season or it has to be time to move on. I think this has to be his last chance. Too much money spent for so little return and terrible football to watch now.}
3.) 10 Jan 2025 17:00:22
I heard Edu was not best pleased with Arteta in the summer due to him holding the club ransom that he would only sign a new contract if they signed him Fury and Merino. Neither had been recommended by the scouting department.
4.) 12 Jan 2025 10:00:31
Where did you ‘hear’ that?! Of all the signings MA would hold out for, I’m not sure these would be the 2 - plus Calafiori was scouted for over a year before we signed him, so would have been a combination of people not just MA. I swear it’s these types of comments that makes our fan base look so delusional.
5.) 12 Jan 2025 23:15:03
I read Edu was unhappy at the ever increasing power Arteta is given at the club. Keeps getting more power.
31 Dec 2019 13:15:31
Hello Eds. Has there been any interest from arsenal in Giroud? And anything to imply we might be serious about Joe Worrall the forest defender?
{Ed002's Note - Giroud is out of contract in the summer Jum and as of tomorrow he can talk directly with non English and Welsh clubs - and several have already declared an interest. He would like to leave in January and Chelsea will not stand in his way and will ask only a reasonable fee for him. There is interest in him from the PL but I am pretty sure Arsenal has not spoken with Chelsea at all. Right now I expect Aubameyangadingdong and Lacazette will stay until the summer and with Martinelli that should end any need to add a striker in January - although the club have enquired after a couple.}
1.) 31 Dec 2019 13:28:23
Thanks ed2. I did wonder as a safe and cheap backup option if either of our lacadingdong strikeforce were to go.
{Ed002's Note - The point is that he wants to be playing on a regular basis at this point in his career.}
2.) 31 Dec 2019 13:33:40
Ah yes. Of course. Don't always think of things from the player's perspective. Thanks ed. Good luck to him to - I always thought giroud was under appreciated (even when he wasted chances)
3.) 03 Jan 2020 15:13:14
Please no, joe Worrall will not improve arsenal in any way shape or form. Suffered watching him last season at Ibrox cannot stand to see him in an arsenal kit also. Saying that we have heard that yous have had scouts at Ibrox this season. anyone know anymore info on this?
30 Dec 2018 11:25:35
Hi Eds.
Are there any rumblings about us taking Cahill on a 6 month loan on January?
Although we're after top quality for longer term, with Baines and Boruc free agents in the summer, has arsenal shown any interest at all?
Lastly, with alderweireld's contract up in the summer, is spurs option for an extra year completely up to them, or does the player have to approve it too? Although I can't imagine he'd come to us, is there any interest from arsenal?
Thanks! And happy new year.
{Ed002's Note - (a) Gary Cahill is available and has turned down two options and priced out of a third. He would be a good option for 6 months if Arsenal really are that desparate - but they have (I think) four fit CBs so it doesn't make too much sense. There is certainly no agreement between clubs or with the player who knows another interesting option is due to be proposed when Chelsea meet another side to discuss a transfer on (I think Wednesday). (b) I would not hold your breath over Baines or Boruc. (c) TA signed a contract allowing for an extension, so he agreed to it. And no, Arsenal has no interest in him.}
1.) 30 Dec 2018 13:17:49
Personally, i think cahill will and would be a back up back up back up option, when all else has failed. I think we really are scraping the barrel, if we end up with three defenders over 33 and one at 32. We are desperate but that would be suisidal. I would rather we blood a youth than potentially end up with litch, cahill, kos and monreal playing in a back four, if we can't get decent quality in.
2.) 30 Dec 2018 13:42:43
Thanks Ed002.
I generally agree Steve, but if we're playing xhaka as a CB it might have to be considered and an experienced prem CB for 6 months on loan is low risk and hopefully wouldn't affect any transfer plans in the summer regardless of high wages.
3.) 30 Dec 2018 13:48:57
Ive read it would cost us upward of 4 mil with wages and fees. For the prospect of a combined age of 130+ in defence, no thanks, that would turn this site toxic.
4.) 30 Dec 2018 15:25:08
Fair point Steve.
.
More or less toxic and more or less costly than being short on CB, playing xhaka at CB and then finishing 6th or 7th though?
I'm not saying it's ideal, but if Emery feels the need to play 3 at the back ( and with hector out and Licht looking far from a calm head recently it's more likely imo) and we don't have enough players, I can't see many other options to ensure coverage.
5.) 30 Dec 2018 23:12:30
utd seem to have extra year options as standard in most of their contracts but other than this alderwield one i don't remember seeing too many others, is there a reason more clubs don't do it, it seems like a good policy, you don't take it up if its not working out and you can get an extra year if the player won't sign a new contract.
6.) 31 Dec 2018 09:54:03
Let’s go for Joe Worrall or Ezri Konsa
Two strong British centre halves with the qualities we want and age on their sides for the future.
Preferably Ezri if we don’t want too many youngsters.
We need so many positions that we can’t spend 50m on each one.
This along with Mavropanos and Holding gives us the opportunity to build a future defence.
Sokratis being the fatherfigure in the middle for the next couple of seasons. Kos could play that role also.
7.) 31 Dec 2018 14:40:23
I guess it depends on the club's plans Sy. Like you, I'm happy with Sokratis, and Mavraponos and Holding for the future, and tbh Holding and Sokratis are my first choice CB. but we still have Mustafi, Chambers, Kos. If we sign one of these two guys (who I'm sorry to say I don't know) would it be overkill for now and would it scupper any plans for a proven quality CB in the summer?
when city were being lauded for signing stones for 50m, after his first couple of games I thought 5m holding who I didn't know before looked great. Although a long way to go, I think he will be a great player so I'm happy to give them a go if you say so Sy ;) My only concern is that chambers looked great at soon and Mustafi and paulista good on paper. Do we need someone proven now? Why do you think these two guys?
Btw my s"#t phone, and I thumbed you down. Soz. Gave you thumbs up too lol.
8.) 31 Dec 2018 15:28:18
Ed as a new year treat, can i ask which club chelsea are meeting and for which player if possible? Thanks alot.
{Ed002's Note - I don't want to get in to it.}
9.) 31 Dec 2018 17:50:42
Fair enough can i at least ask if the meetting for chelsea player being sold or player chelsea want? Appreciate it.
10.) 01 Jan 2019 10:39:27
No worrIes Jim - happy New Year. Just been reading up about this se two and wanted a “British core†in defence.
I like Holding a lot so t have 3 or 4 youngsters with quality will set s up for a long good future like Liverpool’s young defence. Similar to Pool, we need a leader of supreme quality to lead the line.
04 Jun 2017 14:49:49
Are you aware of anything to suggest Ramsey, the Ox or Walcott might be on the move this summer?
I can't see any wanting to stay without knowing they'll get some decent game time. Although ox is hopefully getting that now, I understand there might be interest from at least 1 other club for him. Unless Ramsey starts alongside xhaka, can't see him getting regular time, and not a great position for him anyway. if ozil is demanding crazy money I'd let him go and give Ramsey his chance in the position. Theo getting even less time with new formation.
1.) 04 Jun 2017 16:49:14
No disrespect Jim where would they go?
Ox maybe to Liverpool but Theo on those wages, who else would pay him so much? Besides he had his best ever season with us last season so personally I'm happy if he stays but wouldn't be gutted if he left either.
Ramsey! Where would he go, who would want him? Chelsea Spurs Utd City Barcelona Real? He was awful last season and I like the lad but he has had one good season so far in his career.
2.) 04 Jun 2017 18:36:43
He's played out of possition though g62.
3.) 04 Jun 2017 19:34:31
True Sanogo mate but where is his best position? I'd say Ozils position myself and if Mesut leaves I'd be happy to give him every chance there.
He was excellent for Wales at Euro 2016, wide right he's poor and in the middle undisaplined usually which we just can't afford for him to be, he likes to try the spectacular which when it comes off is brilliant but apart from that one season more often than not he's wasteful through trying to much clever stuff.
4.) 04 Jun 2017 23:01:06
Hello Mr 62.
I hear what you're saying but I don't really know the inner workings of football hence my questions to the eds!
From a layman's point of view, if I were Theo and felt as though I was a decent player, I'd not be happy to sit on the bench behind Danny, Olly and Alexis and get limited games in the prem and some cup games in my prime years so I'd take a pay cut to go to someone like Everton or west ham if they'd want me and hopefully prove my quality. I really don't think he's happy just taking the money. I still wouldn't be surprised if he stays with a view to keeping squad depth though, but surely we don't want those kind of wages for a squad player and figured the club and him would want him to move on.
As for Rambo, I think it's similar to the ox who most had written off the past 2 seasons. he's been played out of position and shown flashes of his ability but let down by his defensive work. I think a lot of clubs would want him at a reasonable price and if played with freedom to get forward could still recapture his forn from his great season.
5.) 05 Jun 2017 00:58:04
Can see Walcott moving on. He had a decent season for us but despite the good stats he's just too unreliable injury wise. Ramsey I think has found his position next to Xhaka in that 3-4-3 and I have time for anyone who's won us two cups. Ox looks to be staying this summer, but needs to find his position soon, whether wingback, winger, or CM because his time is running out.
6.) 05 Jun 2017 01:20:27
Jim if you worked in london would you take a 50% paycut to move up north and drag your settled family up with you. Because that's basically what will have to happen.
7.) 05 Jun 2017 08:17:47
That's the problem we have Jim, we have given very high rewards to players who haven't really achieved all we hoped they would, every player would rather be playing than sitting on the bench but they are unlikely to take a huge pay cut and as Steve said move their settled family to get a regular game.
I don't think Theo is unhappy at Arsenal so it makes no sense for him to move anywhere unless a club that could offer him a regular place plus more chance of winning things plus match his wages.
I think when we all say get rid of this that or the other players we should realise a contract is a two way thing and while a player under contact can't leave without the club agreeing the club can't simply ditch a player who has 3 or 4 years left on his deal.
Bentner is a good example of this.
8.) 05 Jun 2017 10:19:21
Fair point Steve. That's why I thought west might be realistic, but why not palace as well.
And honestly Steve, yes I would take a cut. Better than 3 or 4 more years of a bit part when they could still earn decent money elsewhere and get a lot more enjoyment and see exactly what they're capable of.
Rambo and ox contracts are up next summer, part of the reason I asked, so perhaps if they don't sign new contracts they will have to go this summer? If they stay, I'd presume they are being told they will be getting regular starts which means no new central midfield additions?
Theos contracts up in 2019 though, when he's 30, so I guess if he stays this summer he's staying until then.
9.) 05 Jun 2017 15:11:07
Respect what you say but you are in a minority of people who would take a paycut and move to a less competative company. My opinion. Theo isn't unhappy, so that makes it even more unlikely. But who knows.
02 Jun 2017 16:30:12
Really hoping the rumours about the Ox to Liverpool aren't true for our sake, but if it's true, might be better for him and wouldn't begrudge him any success.
Personally I'd like to give Perez a proper chance too before selling him. I thought he looked good every time he played.
1.) 02 Jun 2017 16:59:17
I'm with you on the Ox Jim, if he's ever going to be all he can be it won't be with us unfortunately.
At Arsenal he's always subbed or left out regardless of how well he's playing, most clubs and managers have a player or a couple of players who for some reason they find easier to drop or sub than the rest and for us Ox is it.
Good luck to the boy I wish him the best.
2.) 02 Jun 2017 20:32:49
looks mint playing RWB. Unfortunately i believe he will play his best under a new manager, as Wenger has signed a new deal i can't see it being with us. New challenge needed.
JimGoon's banter posts with other poster's replies to JimGoon's banter posts
19 Aug 2026 12:05:11
There don't seem to be any higher profile/proven strikers or lw that are available/plausible. Although Alvarez is apparently our preferred choice according to the press, it seems highly unlikely.
Jadon Sancho is a free agent and has at times shown his ability at a high level and 26 years old. 40 goals and 47 assists for BvB over 118 appearances. Saka has 43 and 35 over the past 4 seasons.
Anyone watch him at Dortmund? Think he could work for us? Potential for the club to help him find his form and be a gem, or should we hold out and only go for proven elite st/lw even if it means we get no new additions?
1.) 19 Aug 2026 15:58:58
Please no to Sancho. Would rather we kept Martinelli over pretty much any of the options being bandied about here.
2.) 19 Aug 2026 16:27:30
I don't think it's very likely we will find another Haaland out there to buy, and even if such a player actually existed and was available for someone to buy, the competition for such a player would be absolutely huge from the biggest and richest clubs in Europe, as would the fee and potential wages be, as all the clubs bid against each other to secure the services of such a player.
I personally think, if we want a striker of Haaland's quality, we are going to have to develop our own by buying a player with all the potential ingredients, and working with that player to become the player we want them to be. Good players are plentiful, but ready made, absolutely exceptional players are extremely difficult to find, and even more difficult to actually get your hands on.
3.) 19 Aug 2026 18:39:34
A million percent no to Sancho Jim, an absolute useless waste of space in the Premier League, and will never be a gem.
I'd be devastated if we bought him.
4.) 19 Aug 2026 21:41:36
First of all, the party still hasn't stopped. Champions Champions Champions!. ?
Just want to pipe in with. Who's in the pool of better LW's than Martinelli? (Not saying he's the best, obviously) but the lad is hardworking as f***, attack n defence, scores vital goals, is in the Brazil squad and just contributed to us winning the league n helping us to the Champions League final with vital goals.
I'm just thinking there's a handful of LW's that can improve us but ungetatable.
I'll happily take Gabi n Tzolis for this season all day long amd also have no worries having Kai and Gyok up top. Every player we signed last season (which I personally think are exceptional players) are one season more graduated into the Arsenal way and will surely only make them better now there bedded in. ❤️?
5.) 20 Aug 2026 07:51:59
Hello Jegooner, mate, hope you are safe and well.
I think imo, its Alvarez or Yildiz, or we stay with Gabby and Tzolis, which I personally wouldn't have any problem with.
As for Vic, no problem with him either.
Rashford would be worth a punt imo.
Premier League proven, Mikel would sort his attitude out, I'm sure.
Take care, Jegs.
COYG.
6.) 20 Aug 2026 08:37:07
To be fair, Jim, Sancho = Sterling = a big mistake COYG.
7.) 20 Aug 2026 11:16:21
I don't think I've ever watched Sancho play but remember people rating him at Dortmund. I'll take wire and Sussex word for it about it being a no, though. Stoner - stop sitting on the fence. ??
8.) 20 Aug 2026 11:43:28
I would take Rashford over Sancho any day of the week. However, neither offers more than Martinelli. As it stands, we are in a great position for the EPL, but we have not got the upgrade necessary for CL success. Alvarez wants Barca or nothing, and would we want him anyway if we are the least worst option for him? Yildiz will take some prying from Juve; he signed a new contract 6 months ago and is unlikely to be let go without silly money.
That leaves Barcola (equally silly money, but less than what we were reputedly willing to spend on Vini Jr) or, potentially, Rafael Leao, around whom speculation is oddly quiet.
9.) 20 Aug 2026 12:12:18
Crikey, Jim, I wouldn't take my word for it on anything. Wire's definitely, but Mrs Sussex doesn't even take my word for it! I'm thinking Konza in, and we go with Martinelli and Quantum. Only a couple of seasons ago, Martinelli scored 15 Prem goals in 2022/23. That again would do nicely, or we gamble on non Prem ready. Why MA paid the big bucks? COYG.
15 Mar 2026 11:09:00
Really pleased for Max and he took his goal so well. I've not seen it mentioned anywhere but loved Martinelli accelerating to cut across the Everton defender to make sure he couldn't disrupt/tackle Max too.
1.) 15 Mar 2026 13:47:08
Noticed that Jim, mate, bit like the blockers in American football. ???
2.) 15 Mar 2026 16:33:23
I see it, Jim. Very shrewd & ever so lovely. ?
06 Mar 2026 11:34:41
I saw Ed25's comments about the style of play, and whilst I agree, I don't think Arteta has much option right now.
We've been vocally criticised under all of Artetas tenure by pundits and fans for being naive and not finding a way to win.
We've often played against 11 men behind the ball, which is within the laws of the game despite it not being fun to watch and limits the opportunity for free flowing football. The criticism of that is just that the game was slow or boring, not that the team doing it were doing anything to spoil the game - they were just being pragmatic.
I was fed-up watching us being stifled by low-block teams, and although I hoped we'd find a way to break them down mid game by a change of formation (e. g. 3412 with kai and Gyokeres up top, eze behind, Dec and zubi in the midfield with madueke and saka playing out wide to fire in crosses) but for whatever reason, formation change has not been tried. I still think we could and should at least try something very different tactic-wise but not holding my breath.
I don't want to win games of football by a single, scrappy rugby-style corner. Inhate anything that's seemingly unfair - holding, diving, fake injuries etc. That said, I hate watching an entire team sit behind the ball for 90 mins and either grind out a draw or worse, nick a goal and win it. And that's what I think caused our reliance in set-pieces and as it worked so we'll, sticking with it.
From the way football changes in style over the seasons based on what seems to work best (from 442, to 4231, 433 / Fabregas style players to much more physical amd athletic) perhaps someone will work out another style that will dominate and remove the opportunityfor low block teams and the reliance on corners, but I don't think there will be a move away from the current style organically.
For me, the best solution to improve the entertainment side of things are rule changes - but that needs to be both corners and open play.
Ultimately, City are playing more free-flowing football than us but have been beaten by teams worse than them, and aren't top. We're in pole position to win the league and that's what the fans have been demanding for years. If the low block is acceptable, I can't blame Arteta for being pragmatic, playing to our strengths and utilitising corners the way we do.
{Ed025's Note - finding a way to win is the main thing i suppose Jim, you are not the only team who are finding a way by fair means or foul to get a result mate but i dont have to like it, having seen a lot of great Arsenal sides i must admit the style does disappoint me (or should i say lack of) but hey ho, i want a date with Emilia Fox but thats not happening either.. :)
1.) 07 Mar 2026 22:44:11
Jim, Ed025 - I will say only that to form a complete picture of this Arsenal side, you need to watch the games against Leeds, Spurs, Villa, CL sides, etc. When the other team comes to play, it's fairly exciting football.
You do get the odd damp squib like against Brighton but look how far up the pitch they pressed. IMO there's a bit of selective reporting going on.
{Ed025's Note - i suppose its how you see things on a personal level Wire, im a bit of a football snob and like to watch skillful fast flowing play from teams who get me off my seat and entertain me, the Liverpool team under Klopp, the Utd side under Fergie and the Arsenal side under Wenger, i hate the way football is heading now where set plays corners and throw-ins are deciding the result mate, add to that the pushing, pulling at grappling in the box and players rolling around holding their faces when they get tackled...its all getting a bit much for me i must admit, Arsenal have taken that to a new level this season and you either cant or dont want to see it, are you the only ones?..NO, but two wrongs have never made a right..
29 Jul 2025 09:36:20
Seeing as Isak wants out, Newcastle need a replacement striker and want Mbeumo, but Brentford won't sell until they have a replacement, I was wondering about a few things.
Firstly, would it even be good for the team to try and sign isak - huge fee and wage, injury record, question about position and how it affects the other players? Personally, I
if it is a good idea to try for Isak, could we agree a deal with Newcastle for Isak offering Jesus or Havertz as part of the deal for example Which might make our offer more attractive to Newcastle?
And is it completely unrealistic to get an agreement to sell jesus/ havertz to Brentford, they agree wissa to Newcastle and tie it to our offer for isak, so all transfers get done at once so all clubs happy? Or some equivalent process?
1.) 29 Jul 2025 10:00:45
*typo. I meant Newcastle want Wissa.
2.) 29 Jul 2025 15:40:16
Jim, get off the football manager game mate. Just kidding bud. You need way to many people to be involved and agree to such deal which I think it's more difficult and complicated than you think.
IMO just get Eze in and we are sorted.
3.) 29 Jul 2025 18:13:03
Hi Jim hope you are well - we put Kai on 280k PW if that didn’t cause an issue. What would? A Isak and Jesus trade plus cash would be awesome. Throw Kai in there too.
Agree with Moe that Eze completed the window and while the new striker is probably still a bit of a risk as not played at this level - we should be good as long as we play the ball forward faster. Sure he will score. Eze then gives us serious options and hopefully Ode pushes on more with a Rick solid midfield. So all signings really make us far more attack minded and balance in defence. It will be really exciting if we get Eze but disappointing if we don’t as we won’t have addressed our issues.
Exciting times.
16 Jul 2025 12:03:43
For Eds or anyone in the know, Some people saying Kiwior is up for sale. I thought he did brilliantly for us last season and would be a real shame, but completely understand if he wants game time.
It got me thinking, how realistic is it to play a vastly different team in the carabao/ EFL Cup and early stages of FA Cup (if not all of it if they do well) - primarily to keep good squad depth and all happy and in form. Just stuff of computer games?
For example us starting with:
Kepa
Timber Mosquera Kiwior Calafiori
Merino/ Norgaard MLS
Nwaneri Havertz Trossard/ Mart
Jesus/ Martinelli.
{Ed001's Note - most teams do play a different team in domestic cups, Wenger was one of the first to do so.}
1.) 16 Jul 2025 17:01:34
We need 2 first team players for each position. Kiwior should stay as back up lcb. Then if the imminent signings go through, and trossard leaves, eze can come i'm and battle martelleni for lw as well as cover for odegaard with nwaneri.
21 Aug 2026 13:15:29
Thanks ed
{Ed001's Note - very welcome mate.}
20 Aug 2026 21:33:20
I don't think anyone has asked for Sancho? But what part of me not just regurgitating calls for Alvarez, Vini, Yildiz etc & wondering about other players that are actually available and asking other posters' opinions isn't thinking? Sancho's stats were good in Germany, and enough for him to be bought by Man U for £70m or whatever it was.
Because he flopped in a poor Man U setup, it doesn't automatically discount him in my book. I asked for opinions of those that had watched him. I do remember other complete flops, like those at Chelsea who weren't rated, but then those young lads, Salah and KdB, did okay for themselves in the end, I think.
{Ed001's Note - Sancho was poor in Germany, it was just the defending was woeful. There were clips of him with defenders literally diving out of the way of his runs! Awful player, I couldn't believe anyone fell for the hype. You already have much better than him.}
22 Mar 2026 11:33:16
Kepa for me. He's an experienced keeper, keeps him engaged and feeling valued, and it shows the squad that if you perform you'll get opportunities, so it's worth them staying and putting in the effort, even if they're not getting much time in the Prem. Plus, imagine if Raya gets injured.
06 Jul 2025 09:44:43
I'm sure I read somewhere that Berta's strategy was to line up multiple deals - partly in case one falls through (sesko vs gyokeres, for example) but also as some kind of leverage against those clubs pushing for higher prices - so they hear we have deals in place for other players and aren't desperate to sign theirs.
08 Jan 2025 14:24:32
Thanks for the reply Ed1. Looks to have been handled quietly and professionally by both sides then. It'd be interesting to know where that feeling was coming from in the club (even though no huge public fan unhappiness apart from grumblings with Kai) , and whether that means the club will be as quietly demanding with Mikel - unless coming from him of course, or the lack of a proven goalscorer seen as the essential ingredient and therefore he's doing as well as the club could hope for.
{Ed001's Note - very welcome. I do wonder if him going has turned up the pressure on Arteta, as he does seem, and the team for that matter, a little off lately.}
20 Aug 2026 11:16:21
I don't think I've ever watched Sancho play but remember people rating him at Dortmund. I'll take wire and Sussex word for it about it being a no, though. Stoner - stop sitting on the fence. ??
09 Aug 2026 11:34:25
At the moment, we have quality backup in every position if we play a 4231 double pivot - which I'm hoping we generally do against most teams, which means, hopefully, Bruno will play alongside Deckers a lot - but this season I think realistically Mikel will probably not always play his best team & rotate a lot depending on form, cups & opposition to avoid injuries/fatigue and save the best 11 for the big games because we have such a great squad. Same for Kai & Vik tbh.
I can see what Sy is (consistently!) saying about Vik/Kai vs the best strikers. I prefer to be hopeful, and really do think with Bruno, Dec, Ode, Tzolis, Saka, hopefully an improved end product from Noni, and long balls from Raya, that's a lot of potential quality balls in the box & movement to confuse/tire defenders, & hopefully Vik gets the chance to show what he's really about this season.
I'm saying he's 20 goals in the Prem! (I've nearly always been wrong when I've posted predictions on here in the past, but not now! ?) Come on Viktor! ?
(I also think the club are waiting for a top striker to become available, and will go all out when it's feasible - possibly like they are reported to have done for Vini. But winning the Prem and/or Champions League this season might make a real difference in attracting them?)
07 Aug 2026 10:14:42
I just re-read, and instead of
"he can turn on a dime" something better would be:
"Runs, scores & passes all the time, and we all think he's fine."
Or, a little more self-deprecating,
"He doesn't score all the time, when he does it's extra fine."
05 Aug 2026 15:26:40
The best I can think of, Bill, would be Amy Winehouse, something like:
They said we'd need a load of rehab and we said "Bru-no-no!"
He's been white & black, they can't have him back, "Bru-no-no!"
He can turn on a dime, & we all (or Mikel) think he's fine.
They said we'd need a load of rehab and we said "Bru-no-no!"
08 Mar 2026 10:06:23
Looks like we both had the urge to say a similar thing, Gabi! ?