Premiere League & World Soccer Thread

#6,152
#6,152
DocVOLiday said:
Should be a good one! Gunners haven't been playing up their potential IMO, but have yet to lose which is nice

I do wonder how Arteta will manage the squad with the Wednesday Champions League game this week (feels good to say that after some years)


Ah, and there is also the Hammers/Liverpool game, both of which are top 6 in the table at the moment, so that could be another good one this coming weekend
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The only game of Arsenal’s I’ve watched this year was Manchester United. That one was closer than the 3-1 score line would indicate. You’re right, they don’t look quite as coherent as last year but it’s still really early. Like I mentioned a couple months ago, I think Arsenal did great business (only questionable one I thought was Havertz; he never impressed me much at Chelsea) in the window this summer so eventually everyone will probably gel. It’s just a matter of when. Them having to deal with the Champions League this week might be a stroke of good luck for us.

Tottenham are a different animal. We’re extremely thin but I really like our starting 11, especially when Bentacur returns and he can pair with Bissouma and Maddison in the middle. Not to mention, we’re just playing attractive, team football at the moment. The players look engaged and seem to be genuinely happy (unlike Conte’s tenure). However, we have about 4 positions that can’t afford an injury without a huge drop in quality. The only thing behind Van de Ven and Romero at CB is Eric Dier and 18 year old Ashley Phillips. If Bissouma or Maddison go out, we really don’t have an equivalent to match their creativity and movement. Maybe Lo Celso (for Maddison) but he hasn’t contributed much for us in several years. Hojberg for Bissouma is not like for like even though most would say they play the same position. Hojberg struggles with press resistance and progressive passes. The only game we’ve lost this year (Fulham, League Cup), Hojberg started at the 6 and Bissouma didn’t play.

Should be an interesting Derby. I’d be happy with a point but given who we’re playing I really want all 3. It would be a statement of intent and a huge confidence boost for a young team on the rise. The Emirates will be rocking.

West Ham/Liverpool should be another good one. Liverpool are starting to re-find a form that eluded them all last year. And West Ham may be the surprise of the season so far. Considering Postecoglou’s style is similar to Klopp’s, I’m expecting our game against them the week after this to have about 9 goals.
 
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#6,153
#6,153
MAD said:
Tottenham is a head scratcher.
No Kane, no big name manger and they haven’t lost.
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it's the schedule. The only team in the top half of the table that they played was #10 Brentford, which was a tie. I think we're going to learn something about Arsenal and Tottenham in the North London derby.
 
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#6,154
#6,154
Couldn't post because I was working over the weekend and could only watch match highlights.

Liverpool are the kings of starting slow and then Klopp makes great subs that change the momentum. While that's worked so far, it won't against the top of the table against a team like City.

VVD's return is welcome, but I was very happy to see Quansah step up in a huge way in his absence. He was fantastic against Wolves and is an academy player so I love to see the development there. Matip looks like he has concrete shoes and I won't miss him in the starting lineup. Konate's return gives flexibility and Gomez has actually played very well the last few matches. Really would still like to see a true CDM step forward either through transfer or Endo stepping into the role. This would free Mac Allister to play in a more creative role out there with Szoboszlai (absolute dynamo btw, one of my favorite signings they've made in the last decade).
 
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#6,156
#6,156
Through_The_T said:
Couldn't post because I was working over the weekend and could only watch match highlights.

Liverpool are the kings of starting slow and then Klopp makes great subs that change the momentum. While that's worked so far, it won't against the top of the table against a team like City.

VVD's return is welcome, but I was very happy to see Quansah step up in a huge way in his absence. He was fantastic against Wolves and is an academy player so I love to see the development there. Matip looks like he has concrete shoes and I won't miss him in the starting lineup. Konate's return gives flexibility and Gomez has actually played very well the last few matches. Really would still like to see a true CDM step forward either through transfer or Endo stepping into the role. This would free Mac Allister to play in a more creative role out there with Szoboszlai (absolute dynamo btw, one of my favorite signings they've made in the last decade).
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Early games are not our friend. Quansah looks like an absolute unit in the making. I'm excited to watch his development.

On a side note, I wonder if Pickford is going to be fined/suspended given the precedent was set that if you curse at an official you get a fine/suspension. I doubt anyone but VVD will be fined/suspended for this.

I loved hearing Paul Heckingbottom call out the officials.
 
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#6,157
#6,157
VolunteerHillbilly said:
it's the schedule. The only team in the top half of the table that they played was #10 Brentford, which was a tie. I think we're going to learn something about Arsenal and Tottenham in the North London derby.
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Arsenal have played: Forest (home), Palace (away), Fulham (home), United (home) and Everton (away).

Tottenham have played: Brentford (away), United (home), Bournemouth (away), Burnley (away), and Sheffield (home).

Honestly, there isn't much of a difference schedule wise. Arsenal have had 3 home games to Tottenham's 2 although Tottenham's schedule has been slightly easier. Outside of United (and maybe Brentford-away for Tottenham), this will be the first real test for either side.
 
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#6,158
#6,158
Even with the tie, I feel like Forest’s margin for error just got razor thin. Really need to pull an upset soon and put the season’s prospects back in balance.
 
#6,160
#6,160
C/O said:
What do you think Forests ceiling is this year? Barely clearing relegation again?
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As of now, I think they will be in the relegation battle again. Last time I ran through the schedule, I was seeing 34 points without major upsets and that was including 3 points for yesterday's match and the 3 points they got off Man U. I guess that means I now see 32 points so they need to either pull a couple of big upsets against the top of the table or turn a few ties into wins when playing mid-table clubs. Mainly, they cannot concede any more points to the clubs that were promoted for this season.
 
#6,167
#6,167
C/O said:
Champions league theme song just hits different.
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That's great and all, but have you seen that Europa League trophy? Who needs the silly Champions League trophy anyway?












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