The worst has now happened for Arsenal, but not in the worst way
Arteta has given players two days off
Saka hoped to be back within the week
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Of course the result creates the narrative here. It was one where the result was all important, and likely decisive in the title race.
And the reason they didn’t create that margin were similar reasons to why they lost here
Agree
There might now be a final title irony that, if it does become a shoot-out, Arsenal need to change the emphasis of their team and get scoring
Expensive attacking talent was the difference here
City’s repeat winners also showed their experience
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Does Cherki ever misplace a ball? He is unreal.
This is a real high-quality game.
Tactically, can Arteta really play Gyokeres this Sunday - especially given how Guardiola responded to the Carabao Cup final
Video piece:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjkd...
I don't think you can separate it so cleanly like that. If European sides were more tired, they would be forced to compromise
But it’s a lot easier to play an expansive style if you are much more rested. Player load is currently the biggest issue in football
But what hasn’t been the case for years is this CL calendar, which has drastically changed demands. January has gone from most forgiving month in England to most demanding. This has an immense effect
PSG’s budget is 20x bottom club in France, Barcelona’s 13x etc - that makes a huge difference
bsky.app/profile/migu...
It’s not overblown at all. Can be seen in results. Very few thrashings, so more intense and involving games
the CL expansion means it's now more layered than that. The calendar is so demanding, and PL cannibalises itself a bit. The wage bill differentials are nowhere near as high
Also, it's not quite like that. You need to pay the wages to get the trophies.
I think they've got more top-class players, yes. The floor is about the same, but City's ceiling is higher - as stands to reason, their wage bill is much higher.
But part of that journey - as stated to you elsewhere - is that this was said before City signed the most sought-after attacker and most sought-after CB in January. That massively changes things!
Video piece ahead of the grand showdown between City-Arsenal - and how Arteta has to come up with something
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjkd...
also, in fairness, this said early in the season. In January, City signed two starters that everyone wanted/
Arteta's injury approach does need to be looked at, mind.
no, too close on PSR, can't afford to
but you have to judge on events - things change, and evolve.
It’s about the two together tbf - fair but they did go and sign Guehi tbf!
Episode 4 of our 'Copa Independent' podcast
On USA 94, and how 2026 is impossible without its spectacular success
That was because of unique factors that came together, but also changed football for now
Ticket prices/Glazers don't happen without it
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nrdh...
All of the emotional pressure is on Arsenal, but the actual pressure to do something is on Manchester City
That could add another layer to Sunday, to go with the tactics
Arteta has been considering a few different things, after how the Carabao went
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Despite City being perennial winners, and so much surrounding the club from the ownership to the investigation - the club insist on their innocence - there is a far greater will for Arsenal to lose
A piece on why... and how this isn't new
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
In my newsletter today
How the history between the teams and previous title showdowns - including player bust-ups - shapes Sunday
- Eze's leadership role
- what next for Iraola
- Chelsea midfield targets
- Madrid looking to Pochettino
Sign up here:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
In my newsletter today
How the history between the teams and previous title showdowns - including player bust-ups - shapes Sunday
- Eze's leadership role
- what next for Iraola
- Chelsea midfield targets
- Madrid looking to Pochettino
Sign up here:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Despite City being perennial winners, and so much surrounding the club from the ownership to the investigation - the club insist on their innocence - there is a far greater will for Arsenal to lose
A piece on why... and how this isn't new
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
For most of this race, Arsenal have been missing Odegaard and Saka.
There's a frustration about it, especially as they've both looked so close
It's affected play
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
All of the emotional pressure is on Arsenal, but the actual pressure to do something is on Manchester City
That could add another layer to Sunday, to go with the tactics
Arteta has been considering a few different things, after how the Carabao went
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
And here are Apple/Spotify links for episode 4 of 'Copa Libero', on USA 94
- the unique factors that made it such a success
- Hagi, Romario etc
- how it changed football... for worse? 2026 prices aren't possible without it
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/b...
open.spotify.com/episode/5RmD...