comment by Lexington 125.2 (U8879)
posted 11 seconds ago
Arteta used KT as much as he could during his first couple of seasons. Availability was always the issue with him.

Yes, our style of play evolved away from the more traditional LB role - Tierney looked completely lost on the occasions he was asked to invert - but I think Arteta would've kept him around had he been more reliable fitness wise.

Especially given our first choice LB was also often unavailable at key points of the season.

It's what made Timber's season-long injury even more painful for us.
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Christ I had honesty forgotten about Timber, that was a sore one for you as he seemed like, if required he could have played right along the back line?

You gotta hope that tis serious an injury doesn't have longer term effects, as I recall now the incident that caused was kinda innocuous was it not?

Think we just need to watch this season's community shield to see the difference between what arteta wants and what KT is.

Timber was fantastic at LB in that game, defended well, and more importantly kept the ball well. KT came on and started hoofing it at every opportunity, city would win the ball back and start attacks on that side. And their goal eventually came from there.

Zinchenko was actually good for most of last season but he has been pretty poor this season.

Same as Jesus, Snooks.

Can't shake the feeling the Liverpool result affected our game yesterday.

Not that I was taking Villa lightly, and was expecting a tricky match. However, given their absences I also mildly confident we'd get a result against them.

Then I saw Liverpool had lost... and, for whatever reason, it kinda made me a bit nervous.

Anyone else feel like that too?

Not sure what the fuss is about Zinchencko. He has already been replaced by Timber.

We lost last night because Rice is not proficient in transitions and has played more, higher intensity games than he has ever done at West Ham. Ode similarly went kaput.

Havertz and White weren't pressing much either.

Arteta subbed Ode which tells you he had already prioritised the Champions League despite Liverpool's collapse to Crystal Palace.

comment by Lexington 125.2 (U8879)
posted 43 seconds ago
Can't shake the feeling the Liverpool result affected our game yesterday.

Not that I was taking Villa lightly, and was expecting a tricky match. However, given their absences I also mildly confident we'd get a result against them.

Then I saw Liverpool had lost... and, for whatever reason, it kinda made me a bit nervous.

Anyone else feel like that too?
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Yeah pretty much same here. I sometimes feel playing last after everyone else in the last 8 games in a close title race creates more nerves. I don't know if we would have won this if we played before both Man City and Liverpool. The moment we missed that big chance from Trossard I was starting to worry. 2nd half was just so poor from us and it reminded me so much of Brighton at home last season. I just hope we don't completely collapse and respond, try and at least take it to the last day of the season!

When you play teams in the top 6 you need to score first or it will be a long day. We need a world class striker who can make the difference.

Anyone else feel like that too?
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Not until i saw the team sheet.

Paul Merson was spot on. That's the biggest tragedy 😟

What did he say?

comment by Jenius99 (U4918)
posted about a minute ago
What did he say?
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Arteta changed the team too much just to fit the likes of Jesus in. And that it will backfire

Unlike last season, our season goes on for a bit longer till midweek at least. Improvement

comment by The Magician (U3245)
posted 31 seconds ago
comment by Jenius99 (U4918)
posted about a minute ago
What did he say?
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Arteta changed the team too much just to fit the likes of Jesus in. And that it will backfire
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I don't think he did because of that. btw I predicted he would. Arteta played Jorginho against Bayern and he can't play two games a week. He should have played Partey yesterday but obviously doesn't trust him anymore. So he put Rice back to DM where he plays like Denilson and to accommodate his lack of tempo control he had to play Zinny instead of Tomi.

comment by 50 No longer trusting the process (U1147)
posted 3 minutes ago
Unlike last season, our season goes on for a bit longer till midweek at least. Improvement
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Improvement would be to take the title to the last week. City will still win but at least you can say we went toe to toe despite also playing in the CL after years out, which takes a lot out of you if you don't have a strong enough squad.

You know had Arteta managed to win the PL title this season, history would’ve elevated him as he was up against Klopp and Pep.

comment by Jenius99 (U4918)
posted about a minute ago
comment by 50 No longer trusting the process (U1147)
posted 3 minutes ago
Unlike last season, our season goes on for a bit longer till midweek at least. Improvement
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Improvement would be to take the title to the last week. City will still win but at least you can say we went toe to toe despite also playing in the CL after years out, which takes a lot out of you if you don't have a strong enough squad.
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Well let’s see how these guys do mentally. Arsenal have a habit of not winning a few in a row under Arteta.

It ain't over till the fat lady sings. We need to beat Wolves and Chelsea and put pressure on City. Then we'll get Brighton shirts from sports direct and brick the City bus on their away game on the 26th.

btw selling Emi was such a big mistake.

comment by Jenius99 (U4918)
posted 6 minutes ago
btw selling Emi was such a big mistake.
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I think of all the keepers we've gone through in the past 4/5 years - Raya, Ramsdale, Emi, Leno and Turner? - he is probably the overall best yeah. Not sure he's miles better than Raya/Ramsdale but he's certainly a better shot stopper.

comment by Jenius99 (U4918)
posted 8 minutes ago
btw selling Emi was such a big mistake.
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Made little sense as he was on the books for 11 years and the season he has a breakthrough, the club push him out

comment by Chris H (U15205)
posted 33 seconds ago
comment by Jenius99 (U4918)
posted 6 minutes ago
btw selling Emi was such a big mistake.
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I think of all the keepers we've gone through in the past 4/5 years - Raya, Ramsdale, Emi, Leno and Turner? - he is probably the overall best yeah. Not sure he's miles better than Raya/Ramsdale but he's certainly a better shot stopper.
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Emi is on par with Raya in commanding the box. But he is a better shot stopper and has a big game character.

Raya could get that arrogance from doing well in the CL. Gabriel lack a bit of self belief as well imo.

comment by 50 No longer trusting the process (U1147)
posted 3 minutes ago
comment by Jenius99 (U4918)
posted 8 minutes ago
btw selling Emi was such a big mistake.
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Made little sense as he was on the books for 11 years and the season he has a breakthrough, the club push him out
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Not the club. Arteta. Emi is obviously a big character and rubs a lot of people the wrong way. He even does that to Emery. But when it counts he does perform.

https://www.ja606.co.uk/articles/viewArticle/461548

I genuinely think this guy is mentally disabled

comment by The Magician (U3245)
posted 8 minutes ago
https://www.ja606.co.uk/articles/viewArticle/461548

I genuinely think this guy is mentally disabled
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Disgraceful really, comparing a national tragedy to a boat sinking.