Arsenal Banter 3

08 Sep 2026 18:38:33
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new article entitled, Matchday 3 - Quick Round Up

09 Sep 2026 19:47:42
Thanks for these ED

{Ed001's Note - you are welcome Davy.

08 Sep 2026 07:39:15
{Ed's Note - thefutureisoldgold3 has posted a new article entitled, Wolves Ratings v Birmingham City

07 Sep 2026 12:48:26
Watching the highlights again on MOTD for yesterday’s game.
As good as our performance was, we also rode our luck, Gabriel was lucky not to be sent off for his kick on Martinez, Neto hitting the post and two world class saves by Raya from James and Estevo, on another day one or all could have gone in.


We do need this luck in big games, so onwards and upwards from here.

{Ed025's Note - personally i dont think you were lucky Highbury, i think Chealsea were that it was not 4 or 5-1 mate and i thought you played very well..

07 Sep 2026 14:01:16
Yes Ed, our performance was great and professional. Very happy with the fact that we kept knocking the door rather than shut shop. I was just stating that on 'another day' one or all of the incidents could have gone against us.
Very confident and looking forward to the season.

07 Sep 2026 14:03:22
Spot on Ed mate

07 Sep 2026 16:40:56
Chelsea had some close attempts, but on balance of play I thought we controlled them brilliantly. I was surprised we didn't win by at least 2.

That said, brilliant game for the neutral, it had everything! Never a red for Gabriel, but probably a yellow - ball was there to be won and he kicked it first.

07 Sep 2026 14:36:25
I agree Ed025 mate, if anyone is expecting Raya to spend the entire season as a spectator who never faces a shot at his goal, its going to be very nervous season for them.

As for the possible sending off, the ball was lose and arrms and legs were everywhere as people were scrambling trying to score and defend the goal, yes some ref's would have sent Gabriel off while plenty of others wouldn't, yesterday the decision went our way and there will almost certainly be times decisions go against us, that's just football.

{Ed025's Note - i thought you played really nice stuff G62 and deserved to win by more, imo Gabriel had every right to go for that ball and it was just unfortunate that he grazed his chin, but other supporters especially those who see you as the team to beat will think he should be hung, drawn and quartered mate.. :)

07 Sep 2026 10:02:28
Hi all Ed's and fellow gunners, hope all is well. decent result yesterday. was listening to interviewer after the game telling Arteta that this is only the 4 game that odegaard, Kai and saka have started together since January 2025.I was quite surprised.

imagine if they can all stay fit and firing. Arteta said he knew the stat and knows exactly what they are capable of. COYG/VTH 🔴⚪️❤️.

07 Sep 2026 11:32:32
Hello Gabi mate, hope all is good for you.
Back in the later Wenger days and the early Arteta days, we had a soft underbelly, and, not to put too fine a point on it, we allowed ourselves to be bullied. That is not the case anymore.
Saliba, Timber, Mosquera injured.


Bruno, Zubi, Merino, Madueke, Vic, Hincapie, Eze
on the bench. (That's a cracking bench to put it mildly)
Konsa, what a tackle, right out of the Adams/Keown playbook.
In January, Kroupi Jr or Yildiz.
Take care, Gabi mate.

07 Sep 2026 18:09:25
Hey Bill, hope alls well, buddy.. Yes, mate, with the injured players to come back and a very strong bench, we look pretty much good to go. I agree, if possible, in January a left side attacker would be great, but January can be a bit of a tricky time to do the right kinda deals. But onwards & upwards we go. COYG/VTH. 🔴⚪️❤️

06 Sep 2026 20:26:34
Good result today. I love Kai play upfront; great hold up play, great little touches around the box. Hopefully he can become like our Giroud again.

06 Sep 2026 21:57:23
Joe Cole slammed Chelsea for selling 'world-class' Kai Havertz to Arsenal after Xabi Alonso's side were beaten by the Premier League champions.


Posted that for you, Sussex.

06 Sep 2026 22:42:08
It's why social media is sheer madness. For the record in my opinion Kai is a gifted footballer who often flatters to deceive. Nowhere near world class but he tries his nuts off and gets his fair share of goals. Is he as good as Haaland and Isak? Course not, but he's ours loves the club which is why on a week to week basis I don't put him down. That said he's scored two in three which equates to 25 goals with no penalties :) Well done Kai.

By the way Romford Pele and Merse in our all time top 15 not having it! Especially as no Ashley Cole!
PS I'm sure there will be plenty of weeks to kick Kai but I do prefer the Macro not micro side of things and appreciate your post SY. We both totally support the Champions and I never forget that COYG
#whatdoesjoecoleknow?

07 Sep 2026 21:35:50
Yep - I was struggling with Romford Pele and Merse also, while finding it strange that RVP & especially Cole were overlooked. Cole was exceptional, & his departure was a catalyst for CFC taking off & for us deteriorating. Ramsay was pretty special too & scored some key goals that put silver on the shelf.

A few from 70s / 80s overlooked.

07 Sep 2026 22:03:50
Loved watching Pat Jennings, Kenny Sansom, Charlie Nick (very frustrating though) , but then I'd be all over the place if I was friendly with Suzanne Dando - one for the teenagers! Stewart Robson was the next big thing, but groin and thigh injuries stopped that. The 70's and 80's was a great time to watch live football - rock up and buy a ticket, easy enough to get Spuds, Chelsea, Pool and United tickets, and about £2 for the North Bank.

There's so much money about, but is it better? Jumpers for goalposts and someone P**sing in your jacket pocket, pints in The Arsenal pub - heady days - loved them COYG.

07 Sep 2026 23:43:57
Looked into Kai a bit more following this discussion and googled Raumdeuter or Space Interpreter. It explains what Kai and such players bring to a side. Muller of Bayern is the most widely known Raumdeuter.

I found it fascinating, to be fair. It really explains why we don't use an out and out striker for our system. COYG. Maybe all along we've had 15 goal strikers that allow others to score much more. 🤷‍♂️

08 Sep 2026 19:32:09
Hi Sussex, I kinda posted something "similar" but probably not as pro-Ksi as the above. If we replace Kai (my ideal) , it must be with a world class 30 plus goal striker like Henry. Otherwise, what you gain you lose, because of Kai's graft. Vic is not the plan A, B or C. So, we need a fast, clinical striker that's world class to alternate with Kai, or a really good striker to come off the bench to give us options (Watkins-type signing) .

So, for me - get Kroupi and a winger in & sell Vic. Rotate Kai. I do appreciate his value - I just want a star player that can turn a game in its head on his own. We don't have that, & we will need it in Europe & the league, without goals from corners, a tough Champ League run, or breaking down opponents.

06 Sep 2026 18:52:08
Great win - done strong performances from Raya, Rice, Tzolis, Ode and my fav Kai. Need better options off the bench so hopefully Jan brings a striker and winger. Enjoyed our football today also - well played.

06 Sep 2026 19:01:27
Pretty much spot on, Sy, can only hope there is a plan behind not signing a world class CF this summer.

06 Sep 2026 19:25:19
Gutsy and professional display. Not at his best last season (injured) , but hopefully we can drop the "Ode isn't good enough!" He is! Another goal from Top 15 Kai. 🤣 Seems as though Chelski are still looking for a decent keeper! Well played in an always tough game COYG.

06 Sep 2026 19:39:50
Professional display, unlucky to concede an early goal, which was the only blemish on a good performance. Raya, again world class, was key to keeping the score at 2-1. Good to see we went for the third goal rather than sit back and protect our lead as soon as we scored the second.

06 Sep 2026 20:16:02
Ode did have a very good game, Sussex. Let's see how he goes, but that's the first game that I've seen him be more positive, plus a goal for the cherry on the top.

Kai was a little slow at times & should have shot a bit more. Not sure he will give any centre halves sleepless nights. However, he had a very, very good game.

Some nice link up play, a nice dummy, and a decent goal made out of some nice movement. Goalie was a bit poor & not the strongest shot, but I did enjoy watching him and he had a very good game.

Vic concerned me, but by then we had removed his supply & was defending.

06 Sep 2026 21:05:36
SY, hope you're good, mate. I don't post much, but always enjoy reading the differences in people's opinions (it's what makes things interesting) .
Was that the first game you've watched this season? I only ask because Ode has been immense in the first few games we've played in defending our trophy. Do you not think?
Kai today was fantastic. He might not give defenders sleepless nights, but he should. What a clever player that boy is. He scored our equaliser out of nothing n then, for our winner, a moment of brilliance from him just to dummy the ball (take out two defenders) n give Ode a free go at goal.


A brilliant performance from the team today (Chelsea aren't a pushover) .
Tzolis was fantastic today as well. Looking like an absolute bargain in today's market, by what I've seen of him so far.
Great result. Credit to the lads n gaffer.
Champions, champions, champions.
Who's next. bring it!. ❤️ 🤍

06 Sep 2026 21:42:21
Hi Jeg, I could sense the critics hastily sharpening their pencils after 2 minutes once Rogers scored against us. It was a beautiful sound to hear those well-sharpened pencil points snap above the sound of the crowd when Kai scored the equaliser, and then imagine them being thrown away over the critics' shoulders when Ode scored the winner.



Rogers really should have joined a big club rather than settling for a few dollars more by joining a non-European football club.

{Ed025's Note - you are better off without him G62, he is a highlight reel player and in only effective for a very short period in the game mate..

06 Sep 2026 22:08:58
Hi Ed025 i agree mate. I wasn't disappointed at all when he choose Chelsea for non footballing reasons, they are very welcome to him.

You boys did well to earn a point today mate, what a brilliant job Moyse is doing for you with such limited resources, he's definitely silencing the critics he's collected over the years mate 👍👍👍

{Ed025's Note - we have got fight and spirit G62..but not much else mate..

06 Sep 2026 23:07:48
Hi Jegooner, hope you are well.

No, it's certainly not the first game. I watched him in World Cup & for us. He was far more going forward today - not passing behind players and being very safe. Even against Coventry I thought he was not at the right level. Passing behind, slowing the attack, whereas today he looked more progressive & played with more desire. Too many flicks, slow passes & passes behind players, but not so today. He's had a few poor seasons, looked the same at World Cup - slow, too many touches, in circles and not progressive. Not today - he's the key, as he controls the tempo of the game. It's not all on him, but he's key.

Kai played well - we could do with more pace & finesse up front. At times he slowed us down & should have shot. A proper Ian Wright striker would have shot. Let's be honest, it was a scuff finish against a leaky defence, but he did create the chance & a lovely dummy for the winner. He is a very clever player - yes. However, he had a great game, nice touches etc., but he's not keeping defenders up at night, whereas a Henry would.

I'm just keeping it real, Jegooner. I'm a bit torn, as he fits well into the side, but if we are two down - I don't look at Noni, Vic or Kai as our salvation. Perhaps he's a better plan B with a bit of pace off the bench. Maybe he is plan A & we don't have a Wright / Henry type player. He's a decent player - I just want a special, special striker. I think when it really matters we will come up short with Kai / Vic, & that's not an out there opinion as plenty of players etc. would agree.

If both keep up today's standards against better defences - then that's interesting. I genuinely hope so, as I love our club.

Tzolis did have a really good game - picked people out very well in the final 3rd. Worked hard, created chances and did very well. Hope he keeps it up & let's hope he gets another LW to help him.

Sorry if it sounds moaning or ungrateful - just expect high STDs and we are talking about wanting a team to win Champ League & retain EPL. That's elite stuff.

06 Sep 2026 22:33:10
Fight and spirit are essential ingredients to build on Ed025 mate, without them you've got nothing but ego's robbing a living off your club.
I know you need more players but at least the one's you have a busting a gut for you which is way preferable to having a loads of players who aren't really arsed 👍

{Ed025's Note - i cant argue with that G62 mate..

06 Sep 2026 22:57:39
You've got Ty George ed025 (think I've got the name right) . How brilliant was he today and only 20?! Can you arrange for us to be first in line if he decides to move on lol

And fight and spirit are often enough to win a game ed 😊

{Ed025's Note - he has done very well sally and a decent replacement for Ndiaye, we are really short of numbers though mate and if we get injuries we could be in trouble...but heres hoping..

06 Sep 2026 23:43:42
Perhaps this sums up my Kai challenge and why maybe a better plan B & a world class LW is the solution as you are right Kai is clever and does a lot for the team. You could see that today.

Carragher sums it up far better than me:

"It has to be an Ian Wright, guaranteed 30 goals a season, Thierry Henry. Gyokeres is never taking Havertz's place.
"It's not about how good they are just in attack, it's what they give you for the team. One of the reasons why you can't break Arsenal down as a team is how well they press from the front.
"But then when the opposition get through that, they all get behind the ball, and Havertz is about 25, 30 yards from his goal. You go and ask a world-class striker to do that, a guy who's obsessed with his numbers and his goals to come back and do that, he won't do that.
"When you see Havertz, what he does in terms of both boxes, set-piece wise as well.

Havertz is more of a facilitator, he's not a great goalscorer"
"Mikel Arteta, the type of manager that he is, taking Havertz out of that team and what he does for that team defensively, we talk about how strong they are defensively, no-one can get a shot on target, it's not just the goalkeeper and the back four, that's the whole team.
"So he'd be giving up on, actually, some of his team's defensive solidity, to add a little bit more in the attack, that's the decision every manager has to take."

So maybe Kai is the starter & we get a far better plan B than Vic. Pace & proper CF who really knows where the net is. Our team probably would suffer with an Ian Wright although Henry worked hard.

Maybe Kai is plan A & defenders can sleep well. We need a far better plan B then.

Anyway - 3 great points. 💪👍🎉❤️

07 Sep 2026 05:37:19
Vic has a really bad first touch, that's what lets him down. He runs in the channels well, but his first touch is terrible.

07 Sep 2026 08:35:37
I agree, Stephen. I think it's a composure thing rather than a physical ability thing, or otherwise he'd never have made it as a professional footballer.

He needs some help to work on this if he's to fulfill his potential at top level.

06 Sep 2026 22:49:00
You're welcome for Ainsley Ed025 :) A gift from Hale End! Also last season the Villa page were asking what Rogers had on Emery for him to keep picking him. Even if that was an exaggeration he obviously wasn't pulling up any trees. Jude or Rogers? Whaaaaaat! COYG

{Ed025's Note - it was a great strike SY and it got us out of a hole, Morgan is a highlight reel player who only shows up in very small doses mate, i think you might have dodged a bullet there..

06 Sep 2026 18:32:43
We've just beaten the biggest club in London oopppps.

06 Sep 2026 19:01:50
Biggest cheats or.....

06 Sep 2026 18:31:31
That'll do, donkey, that'll do very nicely indeed.

Good game excellent result. 👏👏👏👏

06 Sep 2026 18:56:56
Great game.
Great result, John, mate.
Konsa tackle, I thought Tony was back playing.

06 Sep 2026 19:27:31
Slotted in seamlessly! Great bit of business considering United Pool and Chelski after a quality CB! Well done, Brian 👀👀 COYG.

06 Sep 2026 19:34:04
A very good day and very good start to the season, Bill, mate. Reasons to be cheerful are freely available. 👏👏👏👏

06 Sep 2026 21:12:57
It seems the Arsenal tortoise outsmarted the mad hares at Chelsea once again, Essex, mate. 👏👏👏👏

06 Sep 2026 18:30:54
🎶🎶 That’s why we’re champions 🎶🎶 COYG/VTH 🔴⚪️❤️.

06 Sep 2026 10:26:40
Express have posted their top 15 players in Arsenal history, we’ve clearly been blessed and lucky to see them play!

Here’s the 15, thoughts? If it was extended to 20, who would you add (there’s room for King Kai and Vic and even Noni as it’s just opinion 😜) .

My Almost.

Aaron Ramsey
Martin Keown
Robin van Persie
Gilberto Silva (probably replace Parlour)


My additional 5.



David Rocastle
Pat Jennings
David O'Leary
Charlie George
Ashley Cole - best left back ever.


1 Thierry Henry
2 Tony Adams
3 Dennis Bergkamp
4 Patrick Vieira
5 Ian Wright
6 David Seaman
7 Liam Brady
8 Robert Pires
9 Declan Rice
10 Sol Campbell
11 Paul Merson
12 Ray Parlour
13 Cesc Fabregas
14 Fredrik Ljungberg
15 Alexis Sanchez.

06 Sep 2026 11:26:24
Hello Sy, hope you are good, mate.
Here's my 15 +5.
In chronological order.
George Armstrong (run all day for Arsenal and then some more) .
Frank McLintock (outstanding captain, harshly treated by Arsenal at end of career) .
Charlie George (for obvious reasons) .
Liam Brady (superb footballer) .
Pat Jennings (40,000 fee and played nearly 300 games, absolute bargain, great keeper) .
Charlie Nicholas (superb finisher, came to Arsenal as Arsenal's first superstar) .
Tony Adams (He was the man) .
Martin Keown (everything a defender should be) .
Ian Wright (Oh, the memories you gave to me) .
Rocky Rocastle (the words he said: Remember who you are and what you represent) .


Dennis Bergkamp (my wife's all time favourite) .
Patrick Vieira (Awesome, absolutely awesome) .
Thierry Henry (Absolutely no words) .
Robert Pires (Supreme footballer) .
Ashley Cole (best full back ever to play in the prem) .
Robin Van Persie (superb left foot) .
Cesc Fabregas (will come back as manager one day) .
Santi Cazorla (marvelous 2 footed footballer, absolutely class act) .
Alexis Sanchez (lovely, lovely footballer) .
Billy Boy Saliba (imo up there with Maldini, Baresi) .
Substitutions.
Seaman.
Timber.
Rice.
Gabriel.
Overmars.

06 Sep 2026 11:34:14
Morning!
So tough leaving some of those players off - Love Silva & Keown - great list. No Freddie? Thought we all loved him with his red hair. 😂

Pires was so special to watch & for a team to give him an ovation said it all..

06 Sep 2026 11:54:06
Too hard to name them all.

I agree with you both, you all stake a claim.

06 Sep 2026 19:03:35
No Stapleton or Nicholas, let alone Lord Bendtner!!

06 Sep 2026 19:23:51
Hello Sparky, mate, hope you are good.
I did put Charlie Nicholas in, I presume you don't mean Peter. 🤣🤣
I did toy with Stapleton.
Bendtner. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

06 Sep 2026 07:39:14
{Ed's Note - EHL2020 has posted a new article entitled, SFA Youth Minutes Plan Feels Like a Quick Fix