I found this a little disappointing compared to episode 4. I'm not sure why, as it was still riveting viewing.
In this one, Auba is finally out of the door, breaking club rules again as he arrives in Barcelona ahead of a deal that only goes through at literally the eleventh hour.
Arteta comes out of it as a dignified leader, and Edu is a realist, telling Barca that they're living in 'Disneyland' if they're trying to tell him that Auba is simply in the city to see his family. Apparently, Auba should have been training alone at Arsenal, at the time.
Another thing that's come out of this for me is Lacazette, an unsung hero. During the January goal drought, it was the Frenchman who set up Gabriel for the only goal at Wolves.
In the previous episode, I felt Laca's contribution was underplayed. I'm not sure why. It was like he was being airbrushed out of history to some extent, a bit like Sead Kolacinac, who is on screen for the briefest of moments: blink and you miss it. Then, he's gone, leaving the club during the winter transfer window.
Granit Xhaka made me laugh, though, when he was trying to get Saka to say 'thank you' to him. It was about another silly red card that the Switzerland international picked up. It was a reckless challenge and he had to walk for it. In the end, Xhaka accepted the blame, but it was a lighthearted moment and made me realize why Granit is loved by his teammates: the guy is real character.
I do worry that Granit never learns, especially after the silly opening day yellow card against Palace. A lot of fans are trying to say he didn't deserve to be booked, but we all know fake diving always get carded, so where's the controversy?
One thing Arsenal fans will be more sure of, after watching this episode, is how much Granit cares about the club. The viewers can see what a lovely family he has too and surely appreciate him more, especially if he can stop getting sent off.
On that note, I felt sorry for Martinelli, who picked up two soft yellows in this episode. The truth is: justice is often harsh on Arsenal, but maybe that develops a siege mentality that makes the club stronger. Like George Graham before him, Arteta seems to thrive on that.
Therefore, despite the setbacks, only a fool would back against Arsenal reaching the heights of yesteryear again, even though this episode saw a massive clear-out of players.
It appears the club policy now is to do a lot of business in the summer and leave the winter window alone in regard to new signings. They see winter signings as an admission of summer failure. I never thought of it like that before, but I can understand their reasoning.
I think the next episode is going to painful, but entertaining, no doubt.
Showing posts with label bukayo saka. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bukayo saka. Show all posts
Thursday, 11 August 2022
Friday, 5 August 2022
Palace 0-2 Arsenal (full-time)
Arsenal are top of the league after one game and have kept a clean sheet, after surviving a barrage of pressure from Crystal Palace and adding a deflected Saka goal to the half-time advantage.
There were penalty shouts galore, but Arsenal held out.
For many, Saliba was man-of-the-match for a perfect, faultless performance. He even pointed at his head near the end, gesticulating to his team-mates not to do anything silly. It was a sublime display from the Frenchman.
I'd be inclined to give my man-of-the-match to Ben White, who was extremely busy, but impressed at both ends of the park.
Tierney and Nketiah came on with around ten minutes left for Zinchenko, who was beginning to struggle against Ayew's pace, and Jesus, who had worked his socks off. Tierney made some excellent headed clearances, while Nketiah harried Palace and added energy to the mix.
Lokonga came on at the very end for Odegaard, whose first game as skipper augurs well for the future.
There were penalty shouts galore, but Arsenal held out.
For many, Saliba was man-of-the-match for a perfect, faultless performance. He even pointed at his head near the end, gesticulating to his team-mates not to do anything silly. It was a sublime display from the Frenchman.
I'd be inclined to give my man-of-the-match to Ben White, who was extremely busy, but impressed at both ends of the park.
Tierney and Nketiah came on with around ten minutes left for Zinchenko, who was beginning to struggle against Ayew's pace, and Jesus, who had worked his socks off. Tierney made some excellent headed clearances, while Nketiah harried Palace and added energy to the mix.
Lokonga came on at the very end for Odegaard, whose first game as skipper augurs well for the future.
Thursday, 4 August 2022
All or Nothing - episode 2
To be honest, episode 1 was a hard act to follow, and I don't think the second episode had as much drama as the first one.
It begins with Aubamayeng getting his haircut with a star shape shaved into the side of his head in honour of his late grandfather. Every time, Auba appears on screen, he oozes class and superstardom. He talks about wanting to score against Spurs, which is mostly what episode 2 is about.
However, there is the little matter of a 400-odd mile trip to Burnley to negotiate first, and Odegaard comes up with a beautifully taken free kick to end the resistance of the Clarets.
Returning to the Spurs game, it was an act of genius by Arteta to bring official photographer, Stuart MacFarlane, into the dressing room to make a motivational speech to the players. Once again, love was the message and against Spurs, it was clear to see the team played with heart. Interestingly, Arteta had drawn a diagram with a brain next to the heart and the fans behind both. Quite how the players kept a straight face is beyond me, but they managed it well and the message was right. I wonder if Arteta said something similar before the Spurs away game, as Holding lost his head that time, and some fans haven't yet forgiven him for it, as it probably cost Arsenal a Champions League slot.
Nevertheless, it was good to see Holding, Tierney and loads of the players celebrating in the dressing room, after beating Spurs 3-1. It really shows the fans how much it means to them too! Although everyone was singing: 'Saka and Emile Smith-Rowe' to Status Quo's 'Rocking All Over The World', who absolutely destroyed Spurs, the real star was Stuart MacFarlane. He'll be a legend forevermore after that speech! It brought tears to the eyes, especially when Auba presented him with his shirt.
Consequently, a happy ending and nothing tragic in this episode, but Everton are in the next one, so dramatic downs are not far away!
Sent from my iPhone
It begins with Aubamayeng getting his haircut with a star shape shaved into the side of his head in honour of his late grandfather. Every time, Auba appears on screen, he oozes class and superstardom. He talks about wanting to score against Spurs, which is mostly what episode 2 is about.
However, there is the little matter of a 400-odd mile trip to Burnley to negotiate first, and Odegaard comes up with a beautifully taken free kick to end the resistance of the Clarets.
Returning to the Spurs game, it was an act of genius by Arteta to bring official photographer, Stuart MacFarlane, into the dressing room to make a motivational speech to the players. Once again, love was the message and against Spurs, it was clear to see the team played with heart. Interestingly, Arteta had drawn a diagram with a brain next to the heart and the fans behind both. Quite how the players kept a straight face is beyond me, but they managed it well and the message was right. I wonder if Arteta said something similar before the Spurs away game, as Holding lost his head that time, and some fans haven't yet forgiven him for it, as it probably cost Arsenal a Champions League slot.
Nevertheless, it was good to see Holding, Tierney and loads of the players celebrating in the dressing room, after beating Spurs 3-1. It really shows the fans how much it means to them too! Although everyone was singing: 'Saka and Emile Smith-Rowe' to Status Quo's 'Rocking All Over The World', who absolutely destroyed Spurs, the real star was Stuart MacFarlane. He'll be a legend forevermore after that speech! It brought tears to the eyes, especially when Auba presented him with his shirt.
Consequently, a happy ending and nothing tragic in this episode, but Everton are in the next one, so dramatic downs are not far away!
Sent from my iPhone
All Or Nothing - episode 1 - FC Abusenal
I've been waiting for episode 1 for so long, it feels like an eternity and did it disappoint? No!
This Amazon Original Series of 'All Or Nothing: Arsenal' seemed all about Saka, at the beginning. It focussed on the missed penalty for England and the racial abuse he suffered, before showing a wall full of appreciative messages. This episode is nothing if not touching.
Sometimes the conversations are slightly stilted, as when Saka is discussing being recognised in the supermarket, he seems quite natural, but other players are not so comfortable in front of the camera. Nevertheless, it was good to see such camaraderie between the players and I think any broken bridges between them and the fans will be mended if the supporter watch this.
As regulars may know, I've never been in the ' Kroenke out' camp. So what if Americans call football 'soccer'! They injected £150m and backed Arteta when the chips were down. Josh Kroenke is portrayed as a really supportive man behind the scenes, and my guess is that much is real. He says the right things to Saka about his 'bright future' and even gives Arteta a lift when he needs it.
However, the three defeats at the start of last season show how much abuse Arteta, in particular, was subjected to. Although I knew that's what managers go through, I was shocked at the level of it with fans surrounding his car, as well as all the Internet trolling. To me, it's totally unacceptable, but there's no stopping it. You just have to ignore it, as Aaron Ramsdale says.
By the end of the episode, the Ramsdale family has taken over the narrative. We see how they've backed him all the way and the viewers get the chance to see his dad's hat, which resembles a fez! What a fun and loving family they are.
In fact, despite the abuse from many of the fans, what comes out of this is love. The Arsenal team is built on that. Arteta tells the team about his heart condition as a baby and how a high performance team operated on him and saved his life. Using a flip chart, he graphically portrays how low he was after the Man City defeat especially, but what really works with the players is him saying 'thank you'. He also relieves the pressure by saying he'll take the flak, or words to that effect, before the Norwich game. The result is a 1-0 win, in which Ramsdale and Tomiyasu make their debuts. The tension is palpable and only relieved when Aubamayeng scores from close range, following a goalmouth scramble.
Consequently, the game finishes 1-0 to the Arsenal and the north London 'derby' will be the focus of episode 2. I can't wait!
This Amazon Original Series of 'All Or Nothing: Arsenal' seemed all about Saka, at the beginning. It focussed on the missed penalty for England and the racial abuse he suffered, before showing a wall full of appreciative messages. This episode is nothing if not touching.
Sometimes the conversations are slightly stilted, as when Saka is discussing being recognised in the supermarket, he seems quite natural, but other players are not so comfortable in front of the camera. Nevertheless, it was good to see such camaraderie between the players and I think any broken bridges between them and the fans will be mended if the supporter watch this.
As regulars may know, I've never been in the ' Kroenke out' camp. So what if Americans call football 'soccer'! They injected £150m and backed Arteta when the chips were down. Josh Kroenke is portrayed as a really supportive man behind the scenes, and my guess is that much is real. He says the right things to Saka about his 'bright future' and even gives Arteta a lift when he needs it.
However, the three defeats at the start of last season show how much abuse Arteta, in particular, was subjected to. Although I knew that's what managers go through, I was shocked at the level of it with fans surrounding his car, as well as all the Internet trolling. To me, it's totally unacceptable, but there's no stopping it. You just have to ignore it, as Aaron Ramsdale says.
By the end of the episode, the Ramsdale family has taken over the narrative. We see how they've backed him all the way and the viewers get the chance to see his dad's hat, which resembles a fez! What a fun and loving family they are.
In fact, despite the abuse from many of the fans, what comes out of this is love. The Arsenal team is built on that. Arteta tells the team about his heart condition as a baby and how a high performance team operated on him and saved his life. Using a flip chart, he graphically portrays how low he was after the Man City defeat especially, but what really works with the players is him saying 'thank you'. He also relieves the pressure by saying he'll take the flak, or words to that effect, before the Norwich game. The result is a 1-0 win, in which Ramsdale and Tomiyasu make their debuts. The tension is palpable and only relieved when Aubamayeng scores from close range, following a goalmouth scramble.
Consequently, the game finishes 1-0 to the Arsenal and the north London 'derby' will be the focus of episode 2. I can't wait!
Sunday, 31 July 2022
Jesus Makes Marmalade Out Of The Seville Oranges!
The super striker roadshow finally came to the Emirates, as Gabriel Jesus nailed his goalscoring credentials to the Arsenal mast, or should it be corner flags?
I feel a song coming on:
'Jesus Gabs
Superstar
Wears number 9
Faster than a car'.
Well, I'm not sure he's the fastest at the club, but he can certainly accelerate.
Maybe the last line should be: 'And he sets the bar' because he has certainly set the bar high by scoring so many goals in Arsenal's best pre-season in recent memory.
Quite honestly, I've never seen Arsenal hitting this kind of pre-season form against strong opposition in my life before. Of course, it may not translate into league form, but when players perform badly before the season kicks off in earnest, you can usually read something into it.
For example, when Fabianski first arrived, he dropped the ball when coming out to claim it against Barnet. It was one of the most nervous Arsenal debuts I'd ever seen and I had second thoughts about him. Obviously, he's gone on to have a decent career at Swansea and West Ham, but it never filled me with confidence to see him between the sticks.
Even Almunia was a safer option, in my opinion, and the then-manager Arsene Wenger must have agreed, as he drafted in 'the Spanish waiter' and, personally, I thought the defence was marginally better. In other words, this is an example of how a poor pre-season can make the forthcoming campaign something to dread and, if that's so, why can't the reverse be the case?
Without further ado, let's hit the first-eleven ratings versus Sevilla, a team that don't generally concede many. I still can't believe Arsenal hit them for six!
Ramsdale 7 - looked confident, but wasn't really tested.
White 7 - has fitted in well at right back, but will be tested on Friday against Palace's Zaha. Over-ran the ball a couple of times.
Saliba 8 - a faultless display and some amazing trickery when he needed to get out of jail.
Gabriel 7 - generally comfortable.
Zinchenko 8 - raking, diagonal passes, perfect positioning and has proved he is a 'plug-and-play' signing.
Saka 8 - two goals and always with a trick up his sleeve. A cool penalty-taker.
Odegaard 8 - finally confirmed as the new club captain. Another solid performance with measured passing and incredible workrate. Arsenal couldn't ask for more from a skipper, who leads by example.
Partey 7 - an essential lynchpin in the side, who keeps everything ticking over in the middle. However, he was guilty of a couple of stray passes.
Xhaka 6 - very vocal in the team huddle, more so than Odegaard. However, he had a relatively quiet game.
Martinelli 8 - a proper team player, setting up sub Nketiah for a goal at the end. He caused the opponents no end of problems.
Jesus 9 - a hat trick on his home debut. How do you top that? Sharp as a brand new razor blade, he cut Sevilla to shreds, turning those oranges into marmalade.
I feel a song coming on:
'Jesus Gabs
Superstar
Wears number 9
Faster than a car'.
Well, I'm not sure he's the fastest at the club, but he can certainly accelerate.
Maybe the last line should be: 'And he sets the bar' because he has certainly set the bar high by scoring so many goals in Arsenal's best pre-season in recent memory.
Quite honestly, I've never seen Arsenal hitting this kind of pre-season form against strong opposition in my life before. Of course, it may not translate into league form, but when players perform badly before the season kicks off in earnest, you can usually read something into it.
For example, when Fabianski first arrived, he dropped the ball when coming out to claim it against Barnet. It was one of the most nervous Arsenal debuts I'd ever seen and I had second thoughts about him. Obviously, he's gone on to have a decent career at Swansea and West Ham, but it never filled me with confidence to see him between the sticks.
Even Almunia was a safer option, in my opinion, and the then-manager Arsene Wenger must have agreed, as he drafted in 'the Spanish waiter' and, personally, I thought the defence was marginally better. In other words, this is an example of how a poor pre-season can make the forthcoming campaign something to dread and, if that's so, why can't the reverse be the case?
Without further ado, let's hit the first-eleven ratings versus Sevilla, a team that don't generally concede many. I still can't believe Arsenal hit them for six!
Ramsdale 7 - looked confident, but wasn't really tested.
White 7 - has fitted in well at right back, but will be tested on Friday against Palace's Zaha. Over-ran the ball a couple of times.
Saliba 8 - a faultless display and some amazing trickery when he needed to get out of jail.
Gabriel 7 - generally comfortable.
Zinchenko 8 - raking, diagonal passes, perfect positioning and has proved he is a 'plug-and-play' signing.
Saka 8 - two goals and always with a trick up his sleeve. A cool penalty-taker.
Odegaard 8 - finally confirmed as the new club captain. Another solid performance with measured passing and incredible workrate. Arsenal couldn't ask for more from a skipper, who leads by example.
Partey 7 - an essential lynchpin in the side, who keeps everything ticking over in the middle. However, he was guilty of a couple of stray passes.
Xhaka 6 - very vocal in the team huddle, more so than Odegaard. However, he had a relatively quiet game.
Martinelli 8 - a proper team player, setting up sub Nketiah for a goal at the end. He caused the opponents no end of problems.
Jesus 9 - a hat trick on his home debut. How do you top that? Sharp as a brand new razor blade, he cut Sevilla to shreds, turning those oranges into marmalade.
Transfer news
Nuno Tavares is off to Marseille for the season. Good luck, Nuno!
Obituaries:
Terry Neill
I was a big fan of Terry, even though he'd managed Spurs previously. He brought the excitement back to Arsenal, making the Gunners a cup team.
I never met him, but he seemed to have a bubbly personality, which is suggested by the some of the big names he brought to the club like Malcolm Macdonald and Charlie Nicholas.
Maria Petri
I was lucky enough to meet Maria on Arsenal's pre-season tour of Asia in 2013 in Japan.
Although I didn't really know her well, she seemed such a positive person and was always smiling, enjoying following her favourite team over land and sea.
My thoughts are with both her family and Terry Neill's, at what must be a difficult time.
Obituaries:
Terry Neill
I was a big fan of Terry, even though he'd managed Spurs previously. He brought the excitement back to Arsenal, making the Gunners a cup team.
I never met him, but he seemed to have a bubbly personality, which is suggested by the some of the big names he brought to the club like Malcolm Macdonald and Charlie Nicholas.
Maria Petri
I was lucky enough to meet Maria on Arsenal's pre-season tour of Asia in 2013 in Japan.
Although I didn't really know her well, she seemed such a positive person and was always smiling, enjoying following her favourite team over land and sea.
My thoughts are with both her family and Terry Neill's, at what must be a difficult time.
Sunday, 24 July 2022
Arsenal pre-season Q&A with TLC's editor
Thank you so much for sending in so many questions. Here are the questions that made it to the starting XI, plus one sub!
1. Will Gabriel go to Juve?
Probably not - unless silly money is offered
2. Will Jesus propel Arsenal into the top four?
Yes, there’s a chance. Look how many goals Arsenal have scored in the pre-season: 5 v Ipswich & 5 v Nurnberg, 2 v Everton and 3 v Orlando.
3. Will Tierney & Tomiyasu ever be ever-presents?
Tomiyasu had more chance, as you’d like to think muscular problems heal. Tierney must be getting the best medical help available, so maybe there’s hope. He’s determination is there, but can his body keep recovering? I’m not sure.
4. Do pre-seasons mean anything?
Yes and no. No points, of course, but if you’re getting hammered in pre-season, it probably means the tin tack for the manager eg Frank Lampard.
5. Will Saliba sign a new deal?
Not yet. I think he’ll make Arsenal sweat. Maybe he feels that he hasn’t been treated well by the club. After all, he missed a cup final two seasons ago. Then last season, he was going to be around, but no! Off he went to Marseille.
However, he may actually start a lot of games if he stays, so I think he’ll stay, unless a monstrous offer comes in.
6. Will Saka sign a new deal?
I’d expect so unless something terrible happens during negotiations. I can’t imagine that Arsenal will mess Saka’s deal up but, then again, you never know.
7. Who’s off then?
Torreira almost definitely, Bellerin probably, but it wouldn’t totally surprise me if stayed. Nelson probably, but it’s hard to say. I think he wants to stay and, if so, maybe he will.
8. Who’s in then?
At this stage it’s a revolving door. With Zinchenko in, it could be curtains for Tavares, some say. However, it may be that Tavares is Zin’s back-up, as Tierney is perennially crocked.
Additionally, it looks like Teilemans might come in. Not quite sure why it’s taken so long, so that makes me think it will never happen, but these days nearly all transfers are protracted sagas, so perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised.
If he comes in, there’s talk that Xhaka will leave. I can’t see it personally. He stayed when nearly everyone hated him, so why would he leave now that he feels the love. It doesn’t make sense, especially as Arteta rates him too. It’s taken most of us a long time to warm to him and his silly fouls and faux hard man approach, but in his old age he’s becoming slightly more reliable. Maybe he’s like a vintage wine, but I’m a bit worried he’ll turn into vinegar and leave us with a sour taste in our mouths. Even vinegar has its uses though: where would fish and chips be without it?
9. Is Thomas Partey good enough?
Yes, if he can steer clear of injuries. That’s a big if. So far, he’s not really managed it. On his day, he’s one of Arsenal’s best players, but have injuries wrecked him already? It’s hard to say, but I’m disappointed to see so many fans writing him off already. The end of the season will be the time to judge.
10. The captain: who will it be and will it be a good decision?
If it’s Odegaard, it’s a great decision. He’s not going to pick up silly yellow cards and he’ll lead by example. He’ll probably play every game as, dare I say it, he’s like Ozil for chance-creation, but he has Ray Parlour’s workrate. What’s not to love? At least, Arteta learned that Emery’s five captains idea was a dead duck. No more of that please!
11 Will the new Vieira thrive or will his match-stick frame splinter under the pressure of the Premier League.
Well, I’m not saying he’s fragile, but arriving with a foot cast is not a good sign. I’m sure he’s got technical prowess, but we haven’t seen it yet. Stick insects can thrive in the Premier League, but if he has physical fragility, it’s going to get tested in the England, that’s for sure. No one takes prisoners: ask Eduardo!
Anyway, let’s hope Vieira is more of a praying mantis than a stick insect!
12 Do Arsenal get enough protection from referees?
Have you got any more jokes? No! The red shirts cover the blood. If Arsenal changed to white or whiter than white or pure white, everyone would connote that with innocence. Maybe then Arsenal would get away with murder like a certain team that plays in white and not be considered a bunch of murderers, who deserve every foul they get. And Arsenal get fouled a lot, let’s face it! Even in friendlies!
Sunday, 17 July 2022
Arsenal 2-0 Everton H-T friendly
Gabriel Jesus is at it again, scoring at the far post from a corner and setting up Bukayo Saka three minutes later for Arsenal's second.
Aside from that, Xhaka hit the post with a header, again from a corner and Godfrey was lucky only to see yellow for an x-rated challenge on Jesus.
Arsenal's new number 9 remonstrated with the referee after that and earlier he went close to opening the scoring with a shot that Pickford could only parry.
Saliba, meanwhile, acquitted himself well if unspectacularly against Calvert-Lewin, staying tight on his man. Whenever the Everton striker did escape, Cedric was there to sweep up.
Turner in Arsenal's goal was called upon a couple of times, but looked solid.
Mikel Arteta will no doubt be pleased by the side's showing in the first half.
Aside from that, Xhaka hit the post with a header, again from a corner and Godfrey was lucky only to see yellow for an x-rated challenge on Jesus.
Arsenal's new number 9 remonstrated with the referee after that and earlier he went close to opening the scoring with a shot that Pickford could only parry.
Saliba, meanwhile, acquitted himself well if unspectacularly against Calvert-Lewin, staying tight on his man. Whenever the Everton striker did escape, Cedric was there to sweep up.
Turner in Arsenal's goal was called upon a couple of times, but looked solid.
Mikel Arteta will no doubt be pleased by the side's showing in the first half.
Friday, 15 July 2022
Attacking or wide midfielders - who’s in, who’s out @ Arsenal FC?
Arsenal seem extremely well-stocked in this department, but let's look at the contractual situation of each player, provided by journalist Art de Roche of The Athletic (theathletic.com).
Bukayo Saka (2024)
This mainstay of the first-team needs to be tied down to a new contract, as soon as possible. The situation isn't urgent, but will be soon, especially if he continues in the same rich vein of form he's been ever since making his debut.
The shocking thing is he's still 20-years-old and yet he still has the nerve to take penalties, despite missing a crucial one in a penalty shoot-out for England in the Euro 2020 final on 11th July 2021.
Verdict: STAY
Martin Odegaard (2025)
The Norwegian is a cool, calm and collected captain, who is still only 23-year-old, so has the best years ahead of him.
He still has a lot to prove, since arriving from Real Madrid, initially on loan, but many Arsenal fans believe in his ability to thread through final passes for team-mates and to slam in the occasional direct free kick.
Verdict: STAY
Emile Smith Rowe (2026)
'The Smith' as Nunes calls him reminds me so much of Paul Mersin in his pomp that he's always going to start or at least be used from the bench.
He's still only 21-years-old, so the best is yet to come, as long as he steers clear of injuries.
Verdict: STAY
Gabriel Martinelli (2024)
Apparently the club can extend the Brazil international's deal by one more year, so Arsenal fans can rest easily for now.
On his day, the 21-year-old is unplayable, but injuries and his inconsistency makes me wonder if he'll live up to his superstar potential.
He seems more effective as a left winger than he is as a striker, although many fans have called for him to play centrally in the past.
Verdict: STAY
Nicolas Pepe (2024)
The 27-year-old certainly seems surplus to requirements now, but quite how much of the £72m that Arsenal forked out for him can be recovered remains a moot point.
Personally, I think Pepe can offer something to the team, if he gets a run of games, but that seems unlikely under Arteta, who clearly is unimpressed by the Ivorian's work rate and tackling back.
Verdict: GO
Reiss Nelson (2023)
Apparently, this Hale Ender is about to get another chance to deliver for Arsenal's first team, but I can't see it myself.
Although the 22-year-old performed well at Feyenoord on loan by all accounts, playing in the Dutch league for one of the top sides is not as challenging as Premier League football, with all due respect.
Verdict: GO
Fabio Vieira (2027)
With a surname like that, the Portugal U21 international captain has a lot to live up to!
However, we can't expect him to deliver much in his first season abroad, so the question is will he be loaned out? My guess is: 'no'.
Verdict: STAY
Bukayo Saka (2024)
This mainstay of the first-team needs to be tied down to a new contract, as soon as possible. The situation isn't urgent, but will be soon, especially if he continues in the same rich vein of form he's been ever since making his debut.
The shocking thing is he's still 20-years-old and yet he still has the nerve to take penalties, despite missing a crucial one in a penalty shoot-out for England in the Euro 2020 final on 11th July 2021.
Verdict: STAY
Martin Odegaard (2025)
The Norwegian is a cool, calm and collected captain, who is still only 23-year-old, so has the best years ahead of him.
He still has a lot to prove, since arriving from Real Madrid, initially on loan, but many Arsenal fans believe in his ability to thread through final passes for team-mates and to slam in the occasional direct free kick.
Verdict: STAY
Emile Smith Rowe (2026)
'The Smith' as Nunes calls him reminds me so much of Paul Mersin in his pomp that he's always going to start or at least be used from the bench.
He's still only 21-years-old, so the best is yet to come, as long as he steers clear of injuries.
Verdict: STAY
Gabriel Martinelli (2024)
Apparently the club can extend the Brazil international's deal by one more year, so Arsenal fans can rest easily for now.
On his day, the 21-year-old is unplayable, but injuries and his inconsistency makes me wonder if he'll live up to his superstar potential.
He seems more effective as a left winger than he is as a striker, although many fans have called for him to play centrally in the past.
Verdict: STAY
Nicolas Pepe (2024)
The 27-year-old certainly seems surplus to requirements now, but quite how much of the £72m that Arsenal forked out for him can be recovered remains a moot point.
Personally, I think Pepe can offer something to the team, if he gets a run of games, but that seems unlikely under Arteta, who clearly is unimpressed by the Ivorian's work rate and tackling back.
Verdict: GO
Reiss Nelson (2023)
Apparently, this Hale Ender is about to get another chance to deliver for Arsenal's first team, but I can't see it myself.
Although the 22-year-old performed well at Feyenoord on loan by all accounts, playing in the Dutch league for one of the top sides is not as challenging as Premier League football, with all due respect.
Verdict: GO
Fabio Vieira (2027)
With a surname like that, the Portugal U21 international captain has a lot to live up to!
However, we can't expect him to deliver much in his first season abroad, so the question is will he be loaned out? My guess is: 'no'.
Verdict: STAY
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