Arsenal banter 6

11 Sep 2026 15:39:31
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new article entitled, Ipswich Town v Liverpool - A Quick Liverpool Perspective

10 Sep 2026 16:46:40
Go on then I'll go first. All over Napoli, excellent professional performance. Had Saka, Merino, Hincapie, Noni and Tzolis scored easyish chances, it would have been an easier night. Viktor and Kai not missing chances, but worry Viktor nowhere to be seen. Salba is a legend, but boy doesn't Konza look good. Pound for pound best buy of window imo (early days obviously) . COYG.

10 Sep 2026 21:05:48
Where are all the goals from corners this season? All these goals from open play leave you with absolutely no time to adopt the cheering position and get your phone ready to capture a selfie to post on social media.

It's a total lack of consideration for fans' needs from the club, if you ask me. 😞😞😞

10 Sep 2026 21:08:23
It was a good performance against a low-block Italian side, and we managed to create many chances, but failed to take most of them. But 3 points, on to the next game.
Viktor was never in the game; there was hardly any service, and it feels like the players don't want to play to his strengths.

A win away in Italy is all that matters, though, as we have a slightly tougher set of fixtures in the league this season.

10 Sep 2026 22:48:09
We are currently out of the automatic qualification places for the Champions League knockout stages. Arteta out?

11 Sep 2026 09:01:29
Viktor just does not suit how we play, and his first touch is awful in my opinion. Keep with King Kai.

11 Sep 2026 16:45:44
It's a long season with lots of games to come, Stephen, mate. Victor might yet have his moments to shine in. 🤞

11 Sep 2026 19:05:21
We definitely do not play to his strengths. If he produces 20 goals again this season, and with the other goals coming from across the park, I'd be ok with it.
With Arsenal, there is no telling where the goals will come from.

Our midfield is just so strong. Timber and Fury are a frightening prospect for any team in world football, with Saka and Tzolis interchanging.
So excited to see our full-strength team out.

11 Sep 2026 20:14:41
He's not at the level we need - simple.

Finish, touch, speed, aggression, hold up - he's decent but nowhere near good enough if we want to win the league / Champ League.

Sorry, but anyone saying otherwise is just backing out, playing blindly, which is fine.

11 Sep 2026 20:30:58
🎶 I'm backing out. I want the world to know. 🎶

11 Sep 2026 20:54:02
Backing our player blindly - sorry, been out since 11.30.

11 Sep 2026 21:10:06
No problem, SY. I was just having a laugh. 😆

12 Sep 2026 01:07:39
I'm not being negative, Gunner 62. I'm just saying, in my opinion, he is not a player that suits how we play, and has no first touch. If we played with balls in behind, he would go good running onto them, but we don't.

12 Sep 2026 07:45:22
It was not long ago we were all saying the same thing about Kai. Some called him a donkey. Some called for Arteta to be sacked for bringing him in. The same with Raya replacing Ramsdale. We are too quick to jump down the firing line. Give the lad time to play and adapt. At first, he scored more than I anticipated. Currently, he has had very little game time, and the team is still adapting. The beauty of our team is we are not depending on one player to bring the goals in.

Give it time, and Victor will become victorious. Just look at teams who go down the hire-and-fire route. We are in a great position; trust the process, and watch us eclipse the Fergie era and the Liverpool era. Looking at our team, management, and fans, we are in a very strong position. Let the people that are paid very well do their job n let us do ours. Enjoy the games n support the team, be that extra man on the pitch.

12 Sep 2026 09:16:15
Hi Stephen, mate, I didn't think you were being negative, and I agree his first touch is very poor a lot of the time.

He had his moments last season and im just saying I think he will again this season, hopefully some really good moments at some really important times. 🤞

12 Sep 2026 12:38:19
Just think Viktor knows where the goal is, but against Napoli he was not on the end of anything. However, it was his first start. He will score and play his part. The worry was he wasn't missing them by being in the right place.

Is it blind faith? Who knows? But, at this point, we have who we have, and we are currently top and undefeated and looking quite good, so I'm happy COYG.

12 Sep 2026 12:43:56
Our place in the Champions League table is definitely a worry though, Berkshire. 🤔🤔🤔🤔

12 Sep 2026 13:33:17
G4E, you could argue we aren't reliant on one person because we don't have a world class striker. Until then, I have to be content with Kai, who will work hard & press, which the manager likes, but will slow us down, miss chances and not do what a striker does. At least he has a good football brain. I struggle when that's our Plan A. Our Plan B is even worse, as he offers less & doesn't trouble top top teams.

We need a cutting edge, and those two aren't it. Sorry to be negative. We are where we are, and I will get on with it. However, the sane people will praise Noni, who lacks end product. Our signings are still a bit poor, we have an amazing squad, but we need a slight upgrade in the starting 11, namely the attack. Our attack is nowhere near as good as our defence. Do you not agree? If you do, then what?

12 Sep 2026 18:29:18
I don't disagree with wanting better signings. If we didn't look to improve, and stood still, that would be the same as going backwards. What I do have a problem with is this instant success some of us look to get, and the fire and fire mentality. If a change is made, give it time to bed in, work the system, and then adjust. If a player is bought on a multiple year contract, don't get the knives out after season one.



This window, we all saw us being linked to players who turned us down. The day is on where players of a very high calibre will be knocking Berta's door for him to sign them. It's coming, boys. It's not going to be easy, and it won't happen overnight, but we are almost there.

Stay together, stick to the process. F*** the others. It's all about us, and we are the champions, and will remain for a long time to come.

12 Sep 2026 19:17:51
86 fifteenth place is appalling! Must improve COYG.

12 Sep 2026 19:50:28
We also saw us dither, G4E. The boss clearly identified areas & we dithered & got distracted while others added/secured good attacking options all across Europe.

Anyway, hoping for a big 3 points today.

12 Sep 2026 19:58:18
It's definitely a worry, Gloucestershire, that's for sure. 🤔🤔🤔🤔

10 Sep 2026 16:46:07
How did we only score 1 goal last night. It was a great performance, but we need to put teams to bed. It could come back to haunt us against better opposition!

09 Sep 2026 07:39:16
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new article entitled, Matchday 3 - Quick Round Up

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.....