This game highlighted to me just how much we’d benefit from another good striking option who brings something different. Jesus, Nketiah and Balogun are all too similar in style. It’s ok for continuity. But when the time comes to thrust it in rather than delicately kiss around it we really could do with something different

    lorddulaarsenal Yeah it's a big problem that when we sub on Nketiah for Jesus, we just get a burst of energy, but not enough variation to require anything too fresh from the opposition.

      Clrnc I guess the flip-side is, as things now stand he'll be behind Timber, White and Tomi so realistically shouldn't be getting minutes.

        After the game, Arteta said: "A few of the boys have only had three training sessions so just to give them minutes and exposure to understand and start connecting with each other again [was positive].

        "I’ve seen some really good things, despite the amount of changes we made. That is why the game declined, especially in quality and in control, but we knew that was going to happen.

        "The way we played in the first half was really good and I think we could have scored more goals. Even in the second half we had two big, big chances to score and we didn’t. It’s part of football, and mistakes are part of the sport."

        Fair assessment

        lorddulaarsenal although if we do go for that type of back line Tierney makes sense since he can also carry the ball out and play as a traditional full back

          I love Balogun run. So much intent

          It's one of those where the run makes the chance just as much as the pass does.

          No Pepe, Lokonga, Tavares, Patino and Cedric who have no futures here. Nelson injured, Turner already in USA.

          ESR given more off time due to u21 tournament. Partey in negotiations to leave.

          Cozier-Duberry the only youth player included as now our huge squad has no space for any young players. Lewis-Skelly, Nwaneri and Walters dropped back to U21.


            Thought Trusty's contract may have expired in June but he's travelling with us to the US. Good opportunity to promote and shop him if he's still in our ranks.
            Some speculation Partey has't travelled because of 'visa' issues but as you say, it could be because he's going to be transferred too.

            Clrnc Nelson injured 🤦🏻‍♀️ suspect that's the only reason Cozier-Duberry in the squad.

            Shame for the other 3 youngsters not to get to go.

              Nelson just can't catch a break.

              If Partey's absence is because the Saudi deal is on, I hope it's wrapped really quickly, so we can move on his replacement.

              Seems more likely to be a visa issue though.

              Nelson is low key injury prone no?

              Now he's locked into a new contract so we can't even replace him meaning Saka is gonna have to play 60 games again…

                Tbf, Saka will play nearly every game because that's what the very best players do. It's also why we're considering Nelson as his cover imo - it's hard to get a very good and established player to come in and play second fiddle to a guy that good.

                Sicario2 - Tier 1
                Availability is just as important as ability. We can’t enjoy your abundance of natural gifts if you never play. Particularly important because we need to preserve Saka and Martinelli. If Nelson can’t play he will fall behind guys like Vieira. Or we will need to use Havertz/Trossard at 9 and shift Jesus over. But Saka relief should be Nelson’s if he can get fit.

                  I would solve the issue by selling Nketiah and Balogun* and bringing in another striker to compete with Jesus (although I still think he has 20+ goals in him this season), so that the Brazilian can move out wide when it's needed.

                  *Or giving the Balogun the chance to be 2nd striker if Arteta thinks he can become a top player very soon.