Claudius there are five league games in this run and we won three. We'll need to win much more than 60% of our remaining matches (and we will win more than that, but just to illustrate that this picture isn't an example of a good run, but rather of one that needs to get better).
QuincyAbeyie agree we need to do better in league but that stretch of games and goals makes me feel much better then the overall mood. We will be there at the end
So glad Mikel leaned into the form Jesus showed on Wednesday night, the guy took both his goals tonight beautifully. All five he's scored this week have been excellent. It was kind of mad to look at my phone (couldn't see a clock in the ground) and realise only 15 had gone when we went 2-1 up.
Strangely open through the middle, but an absolutely clinical performance turned Selhurst Park into a graveyard. Really pleased for Martinelli that he had such a positive performance, I think we forget sometimes not being as good as Saka is not the same as not being good..
Who knew persisting with someone following a series of injuries would eventually lead to an uptick in form.
The famous Palace atmosphere btw... Apart from their goal, nothing. Silence. I guess part of that is the fast start we made - textbook crowd control. The only other bit they got excited about was Timber taking too long on that throw and when Gabriel went down HAVING BEEN HIT HARD IN THE FACE. Dickheads.
Lets give him a new contract
Btw Partey at CM and not RB and we instantly become good again
RocktheCasbah was very obviously dead from the TV coverage. Felt like watching a covid game any time the away fans were quiet.
Clrnc we were so open through the middle though - albeit not helped by one of Saliba's less good performances...
But on Partey specifically, I don't think he should ever play right back now unless there is no other option. We saw the difference having an athlete there made to us on Wednesday night when Timber switched out. Partey is far too one dimensional and reserved in that right back role.
RocktheCasbah Partey - Ode - Havertz is a midfield combination that shouldn't really exist. Can't fathom why Arteta keeps trying to jam Havertz into the midfield when it's been made quite obvious multiple times that this doesn't work. If we want a more attacking partner for Odegaard, much rather see Nwaneri in that role honestly.
Bernard Woolley I just don't think that's a sensible use of a 17 year old kid. We can all see how good he is, but there's nothing wrong with him watching and learning and then coming on when legs are tired and there's space to exploit.
RocktheCasbah Will it be okay starting him next year when he's 18?
Coombs depends on how he develops
What Coombs said.
We've just won 5-1 away from home (for the third time in a month), I really don't get the rush. He's part of the first team, he's going to get game time. This just feels like something else to beat Mikel over the head with for no real reason whatsoever.
What I mean is, previously there are a lot of talks that 30-40 minutes per game might absolutely destroy Nwaneri and his career longevity because of his age. Even if he is a better fit or better quality player than our other options, we can't play him because of his age.
But the same people who said that have no issue with 18 year old MLS playing and starting. So just wondering is it because of that 1 year difference of age.
Clrnc well, as I don't think I am one of the people who had talked of Nwaneri possibly being destroyed by starting games now, though I do agree with being cautious with him, I'm probably not the right person to answer that question.
But in reference to MLS, it's clear that he's started games where Arteta deemed him the best - only? - option available. Nwaneri has, variously, Saka, Ode, Rice, Merino and Havertz to contend with.
I’ve seen enough of Nwaneri playing premier league opponents where there are structured defenses to know that he still has some way to go. The talent is abundant, but it takes a bit more to learn how to impose yourself, manage the game, and be active in both directions. I can’t complain about his use to date.
And I mentioned somewhere that he and MLS are on track to do more minutes than each of Nelson, Vieira and ESR last season. So this idea that Arteta is hiding them in a box is just misinformation
I think Nwaneri could have been used a bit more over our poorer run, especially when we were persisting with 2 DMs and failing to win. Didn't even need to start. I feel like it shows a bit of urgency to make that kind of sub, and can be the spark that wins it.
Might not, but you can't know unless you try. It transmits something different, to use an Artetaism.
Jesus has such a multiplier effect when he’s playing at the top of his game. Drifts to the left, to the right, drives with the ball, first time flicks and touches, hold up play, winning second balls, connecting with everyone across that front line.
That’s the sort of forward I want to see us bring in (one who isn’t mentality and physically fragile of course). Not a boring lump like Gyokeres who can run fast and hit the ball hard.
Now someone put Declan's face on Dinho's.
Saka out for six weeks. Could be curtains for our title challenge unless Jesus's purple patch lasts for a few more games.
goon this is what he did in 22/23. he had to be everywhere to negate the staler inclinations of tetball that result in the interminable horseshoe. by being everywhere and connecting with teammates, he creates overloads, which is the key to how our structured attack clicks. there must be a steady source of overloads
Clrnc But the same people who said that have no issue with 18 year old MLS playing and starting. So just wondering is it because of that 1 year difference of age.
the only reason MLS is getting minutes is cos practically every single LB we had is either injured or nursing one.
Heck MLS himself is only just back from an injury. That position is absolutely cursed.
Yeah Nwaneri isn’t ready for the big time like that yet. Very much still in the learning phase, which is absolutely fine. Also just want to ask for a bit of respek for Havertz plzntnkyou. That’s a top player we are talking about.
I really wish there was an ignore feature on here. Creating strawmans to have a whinge is something else man.
Clrnc What I mean is, previously there are a lot of talks that 30-40 minutes per game might absolutely destroy Nwaneri and his career longevity because of his age. Even if he is a better fit or better quality player than our other options, we can't play him because of his age.
You are reading this on Twitter, surely. Total misrepresentation of the arguments made on this board.
It's been said on here that at 17 Nwaneri's quite likely not to be physically and psychologically ideal to risk playing ninety regularly.
I suspect that's true. There have probably been sound reasons such a young kid isn't starting. However with Saka injured I think we'll see more of him.
Burnwinter it’s not just age, it’s position.
The first thing to note is that Arteta got rid of both ESR and Vieira to clear a path for this kid. So he was clearly not marginalising him
Second - and this is true for MLS as well - is that CM is the hardest position to play. Odegaard covers so much ground, runs with the ball, shows when people need an outlet, leads most creative metrics, runs off the ball, leads press, tracks back.
What is actually an opportunity is this Saka injury. It might give Nwaneri real time while we source a forward.
