Havertz was always intended as the 8 when signed by Arteta and he played most of the season there. He also wanted Rice + Partey as the double pivot in the 3-2 buildup, so Partey needed to invert from somewhere on the back line, with RB making the most sense.
I really hope Martinelli recovers from his funk next season, so that Trossard can go back to his super sub role, but Trossard is by far our best finisher, sometimes 1 shot on target is all he needs.. other than that, it's hard to argue with any of these starting 11..
Nelli is unfortunately very one dimensional to start with, the total opposite of Trossard who can play in all areas, even very right places plus he picks better choices much more often as he s more aware of his surroundings.
Nelli needs to add tools to his set to not be left behind in this team with Arteta ball.
He s young enuff but he could end up quickly like other talented players who didn’t get enuff game time at some point. yeah he wasn’t fit also and such but he s also easier to defend once he is not having acres of space for opponents. Wish he d actually develop in a more central striker position but o don’t see him there in a possession team
Yeah but trossard has his ridiculous close control and two footedness which make him a danger even when he's not the fastest.
Martinelli without space is simply less effective. But like last season showed, there are many ways to make it work and show his brilliance.
It's hard to say, most of his appearances have either been when desperate and the team is struggling, or when changing half the front line. But same time, that feels like an excuse half the subs team could use. Mainly because the first 11-13 is so set in stone and the rest are just hoping for scraps of opportunity.
One thing I'm hoping we can sort next season is to be more fluid with the lineup so that we can exchange out some of the players more often start and mid game and the players are more comfortable with it.
It was his own decision to sign a contract when he could have left for free last year. I thought it was insane and as expected he’s basically had a gap year which is a real shame at his age.
Sure, but I think it's a shame because he's more than capable of offering something for this team especially with minutes to get into form. Plus I don't rate Eddie _at all_, so it's just a shame to me.
Just a reminder Bournemouth are one of the most in form teams in the league and have their best cb returning.
Nothing to play for but seemingly they’re playing with more freedom rather than being on the beach.
We should win but don’t underestimate them!
Bournemouth have been fantastic in recent months. City only managed to scrape a 1-0 in against them so we shouldn't take them lightly. Going to be a tough game I reckon
I love how much this team has improved, the bench is littered with good options and we're only going to be getting better/adding. No more being a thrifty selling club.
With 3 games left after this one, all 1 week apart, rotation doesn't matter as much anymore.. if the title comes down to GD, today is the type of game that would really help us capitalize
If we have hope of the title, we have to assume city draw one of the remaining 4 games. That means they have 3 games to add to their goal difference. We also have to win our remaining 3 games which means our goal difference has to be at least 3 more than it is currently which automatically increases it from the current 7 to 10. So for city to beat our goal difference, they’d have to score 11 in 3 games. Which is an average of 3.66 goals per game. Not impossible, but I’d say pretty tough. Although I would never argue against more goals. Not arguing, just thought I’d share some math. Cheers!
Yeah it’s unlikely they’d catch up, but if they’re going into their final game against West Ham and need 6 goals, I wouldn’t put it past them to get it.
True. Either way, that pressure on them is a good thing. Will increase the likelihood of them overcommitting to trying to score more and possibly make mistakes. Gotta see them draw or lose one first though.
I don't know why, but I'm more worried about this one than when we face man u.
We need to win to apply pressure on city. Given how stressful that is for fans, I can't even imagine what it does to the players
By stands I meant not being included in the match squad, which is likely soul crushing for players… you can only do it to players coming back from lengthy injuries (Timber) or already half out the door (Elneny/Cedric/Nelson)…
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No zinchenko? This is the exact game he was made for, ball domination and Bournemouths lack of a seriously threatening winger made me think he would start tbh
We have seen what happens when you drop this current version of Zinchenko into a crunch game in the title race. Probably best not to risk it. Partey and Rice pivot should be enough for ball domination.
Oh good. I was afraid he will tinker once again with the selection and put Havertz in the midfield and Jesus up front. They only have 3 games left anyway why rotate significantly.
I’m not saying I would, just interested to hear people’s thoughts since he’s fallen softly out of the team. Personally I think he’s a victim of the inconsistencies of our left hand side
No. He is 22 and has immense potential. Literally scored 15 league goals last season.
8 goals and 5 assists in all comps this season isn’t that bad.
People are really out of pocket with the Martinelli hate and slander lately
Unpopular opinion: I would. Martinelli is a speedy dribbler and is limited when double marked. I’d get a more trickier dribbler.
Pep did the same and got rid of Sane and co. for more trickier dribblers.
If we want a more attacking option, Leao, Mitoma or Kvaratskelia.
If we want a more balanced option, Nico Williams or Pino.
If we want someone who showed ability but has a lower stock right now, Gnabry or Chiesa.
Hell, I'd even give Sancho a punt if we can get him cheap enough.
I'd love it if we grabbed Sancho on the cheap. The kid has immense talent but was badly advised and made the wrong move at the wrong time. Assuming he's learnt the lesson, a more nurturing environment could see him flourish
Maybe. We are interested in him and he can play both wings.
He has similar numbers to Martinelli this season and it's also unknown if he will want to leave Bilbao.
Looks like this is Arteta’s first choice midfield
👨🚀🔫👨🚀
It always was.
And back 4
And front 3
And my axe!
Take my up vote 🤣🤣🤣🤣
And goalie
Until timbers fit and parteys back at RB 😭
But they told me partey is washed up
Partey is class. But he gets injured A LOT
Remember the beginning of the season when he had Partey at RB and Havertz at 8? What was he thinking then?
Havertz was always intended as the 8 when signed by Arteta and he played most of the season there. He also wanted Rice + Partey as the double pivot in the 3-2 buildup, so Partey needed to invert from somewhere on the back line, with RB making the most sense.
Great, this is exactly what we need for every remaining game.
I really hope Martinelli recovers from his funk next season, so that Trossard can go back to his super sub role, but Trossard is by far our best finisher, sometimes 1 shot on target is all he needs.. other than that, it's hard to argue with any of these starting 11..
Martinelli doesn't have anyone to create space for him like Xhaka and Jesus like last season
Neither does Trossard
Nelli is unfortunately very one dimensional to start with, the total opposite of Trossard who can play in all areas, even very right places plus he picks better choices much more often as he s more aware of his surroundings. Nelli needs to add tools to his set to not be left behind in this team with Arteta ball. He s young enuff but he could end up quickly like other talented players who didn’t get enuff game time at some point. yeah he wasn’t fit also and such but he s also easier to defend once he is not having acres of space for opponents. Wish he d actually develop in a more central striker position but o don’t see him there in a possession team
Trossard is the type that can work individually, also Trossard barely play last season as LW
Yeah but trossard has his ridiculous close control and two footedness which make him a danger even when he's not the fastest. Martinelli without space is simply less effective. But like last season showed, there are many ways to make it work and show his brilliance.
Different players. We do miss Martinelli’s pace but without a decent (and consistent) LB behind him he can’t get into the groove
No Nelson on the bench???
Who cares? It's a toss up between him and Nketiah to be in the stands, but it's a moot point anyway since neither will come on.
It's a joke referring to the same fixture last year
It's a shame as Nelson has never stunk the place out when played and has been lively at worst.
Lively sure. But he's not a big creator or a huge threat on goal.
It's hard to say, most of his appearances have either been when desperate and the team is struggling, or when changing half the front line. But same time, that feels like an excuse half the subs team could use. Mainly because the first 11-13 is so set in stone and the rest are just hoping for scraps of opportunity. One thing I'm hoping we can sort next season is to be more fluid with the lineup so that we can exchange out some of the players more often start and mid game and the players are more comfortable with it.
It was his own decision to sign a contract when he could have left for free last year. I thought it was insane and as expected he’s basically had a gap year which is a real shame at his age.
Sure, but I think it's a shame because he's more than capable of offering something for this team especially with minutes to get into form. Plus I don't rate Eddie _at all_, so it's just a shame to me.
I think he hasn’t been for a couple matches now
Just a reminder Bournemouth are one of the most in form teams in the league and have their best cb returning. Nothing to play for but seemingly they’re playing with more freedom rather than being on the beach. We should win but don’t underestimate them!
They are 9th in form table. 2 wins, 2 losses and 1 draw.
i saw them fifth in a form table over the second half of the season
Last 25 games they are 5th yeah. Above scum and two below Villa in the same period.
Bournemouth have been fantastic in recent months. City only managed to scrape a 1-0 in against them so we shouldn't take them lightly. Going to be a tough game I reckon
Let's fucking do this!
I love how much this team has improved, the bench is littered with good options and we're only going to be getting better/adding. No more being a thrifty selling club.
A win and CS today please boiis.
Counter strike?
Clean sheet?
Clitoral Stimulation?
Customer service?
Hoping for comfortable lead in first half so we can rotate early in second half
With 3 games left after this one, all 1 week apart, rotation doesn't matter as much anymore.. if the title comes down to GD, today is the type of game that would really help us capitalize
I think we'll win but I don't expect a huge scoreline. Bournemouth have been playing very well lately
Less about resting our first team, more about getting our bench sharper. It might help us down the line if everyone can be in form.
If we have a comfortable lead we need to double down and score as many goals as possible. City aren’t so behind in GD that they couldn’t catch up.
If we have hope of the title, we have to assume city draw one of the remaining 4 games. That means they have 3 games to add to their goal difference. We also have to win our remaining 3 games which means our goal difference has to be at least 3 more than it is currently which automatically increases it from the current 7 to 10. So for city to beat our goal difference, they’d have to score 11 in 3 games. Which is an average of 3.66 goals per game. Not impossible, but I’d say pretty tough. Although I would never argue against more goals. Not arguing, just thought I’d share some math. Cheers!
Yeah it’s unlikely they’d catch up, but if they’re going into their final game against West Ham and need 6 goals, I wouldn’t put it past them to get it.
True. Either way, that pressure on them is a good thing. Will increase the likelihood of them overcommitting to trying to score more and possibly make mistakes. Gotta see them draw or lose one first though.
Probably our hardest game left this season. Full focus, put the pressure on city for later and see what happens
pour one out for the elneny nation
Bench: Ramsdale, Zinchenko, Kiwior, Jorginho, Vieira, Smith Rowe, Martinelli, Jesus, Nketiah
Wow that's some bench. Most of those would get into many First 11's outside the top 3.
I don't know why, but I'm more worried about this one than when we face man u. We need to win to apply pressure on city. Given how stressful that is for fans, I can't even imagine what it does to the players
If it ain't broke... COYG!!
Lets wait patiently for timber so he could unleash 100% of his abilities once he's deployed into the field
Feeling a Tomi goal today
Fuck Christie man, what a stupid animal he is
Surprised Timber didn’t make it. Was expecting him on the bench. Taking precautions or is he not ready for the first team?
I guess it’s more about not sending someone to the stands that has been 100% fit to play for weeks/months unlike Timber…
I mean it would depend on the game state, no? If we are comfortably cruising, might as well give him a taste of it
By stands I meant not being included in the match squad, which is likely soul crushing for players… you can only do it to players coming back from lengthy injuries (Timber) or already half out the door (Elneny/Cedric/Nelson)…
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Is Timber on the bench?
Are you able to read? It's on the post.
No tinder? Wasn't he fit now
Teta probably swiped left
Swiped left
This aint no dating site.
This is the way
4am match, come on laaaads
Possibly the greatest XI to touch grass
Red all day!
Commentator's pissing me off, what a liar
Arteta: Willy, 🤜🤜. Lol.
Saka's shit There I said it Absolutely unacceptable missing that so casually.
No timber :/
Damn was hoping to see Timber today.
No zinchenko? This is the exact game he was made for, ball domination and Bournemouths lack of a seriously threatening winger made me think he would start tbh
We have seen what happens when you drop this current version of Zinchenko into a crunch game in the title race. Probably best not to risk it. Partey and Rice pivot should be enough for ball domination.
Bournemouth has been one of the most dangerous pressing sides in the league for the second half of this season. Zinchenko would be eaten alive.
It was his side they targeted last year and scored after 30 seconds
Oh good. I was afraid he will tinker once again with the selection and put Havertz in the midfield and Jesus up front. They only have 3 games left anyway why rotate significantly.
Would you take £100m for Martinelli this summer?
what better winger are we getting for £100m
I’m not saying I would, just interested to hear people’s thoughts since he’s fallen softly out of the team. Personally I think he’s a victim of the inconsistencies of our left hand side
If he was 25 and stagnated sure but he's 22 and still has plenty of room to grow
Can you get Leao for 100m?
Leao is really not THAT good.
no
He aint worth a 100 mil
Alright alright alright.. How many weeks of Mbappe does 100m give you?
Mbappe has a massive ego mate. You think he fits the profile to play in this Arsenal team?
No, there's no one better that is available. He hasn't been bad this season either.
No he is still very young and good. Last year he had 15 goals in Prem. Next year when we sort out that left side he will improve again.
I don’t think we should sell him to a rival club. If anything we need a RW more than a LW
What would we do with that £100m? Who would be available with that level of experience at such a young age?
Yes 100m is a lot.
No. He is 22 and has immense potential. Literally scored 15 league goals last season. 8 goals and 5 assists in all comps this season isn’t that bad. People are really out of pocket with the Martinelli hate and slander lately
Don’t really understand all the chatter around him. Man has been injured and not in his best form and yet he has contributed.
Bro has is asking a question “Martinelli hate and slander” 😂
Wasn’t referring to you or this question, just in general
Unpopular opinion: I would. Martinelli is a speedy dribbler and is limited when double marked. I’d get a more trickier dribbler. Pep did the same and got rid of Sane and co. for more trickier dribblers.
Very mixed bag of answers so far
Shocked so many wanna sell him
£100m is a lot of money, I don’t think he’s worth £100m tbh so it’s probably a pointless question
If Antony can sell for more than 80m, Gabi is surely worth a 100
You know what, that is a very valid point lol
name names
Ye I don’t know mate, don’t have that much time to watch football these days. Eze? Kudus maybe? Dunno.
they aren't upgrades from Nelli
If we have a replacement lined up and ready to go, yes.
Any names that spring to mind for a replacement you’d like to see?
If we want a more attacking option, Leao, Mitoma or Kvaratskelia. If we want a more balanced option, Nico Williams or Pino. If we want someone who showed ability but has a lower stock right now, Gnabry or Chiesa. Hell, I'd even give Sancho a punt if we can get him cheap enough.
I'd love it if we grabbed Sancho on the cheap. The kid has immense talent but was badly advised and made the wrong move at the wrong time. Assuming he's learnt the lesson, a more nurturing environment could see him flourish
Kvaratskhelia or Leao. But I don't think you get them for 100m. I also don't like Leao's work rate plus he's also quite inconsistent.
Nico Williams?
Maybe. We are interested in him and he can play both wings. He has similar numbers to Martinelli this season and it's also unknown if he will want to leave Bilbao.