Morning both,

Considering all the talk from journalists and pundits on our quadruple charge, how does it feel to know that this not so great City side are on the verge of potentially winning a treble and we would have had a significant part to play in that? #arsecastextra

@gunnerblog.bsky.social

The depth route has helped us to get to this point but there is still a big gap in quality.

We saw the good and bad to Havertz and in the key moment, it was clear why so many fans dislike him

In moments I have appreciated what Gyokeres and Noni have tried to bring to the team but they were both horrible signings.

It never felt that we had enough to win today but there was some intent.

Ultimately we have gifted this average City side a treble

Rice looks like a player who isn’t 100% and is managing his energy levels. No surprise considering he was ill

Arteta’s cryptic messaging on injuries needs to stop. I get why he does it, it doesn’t do any good hiding updates or players from training pics when you deep it.

Timber got a knock vs Everton a month ago, was supposed to be back for the FA cup game and is nowhere to be seen. Why?

The March to April drop off is insane

I feel that he was signed to replace Jorginho’s experience but Jorginho had proved to be valuable for £12m. Not on Norgaard but not sure what value we got back so far for his £16m transfer fee.

There have been more mins for MLS too, White earlier in the season also. He chose not to, it’s on him

It’s unbelievable when you compare it to the Jorginho minutes. There have been multiple games Zubimendi didn’t need to start or could have come off earlier.

I find it hard to believe Norgaard has not been worthy of at least 500 prem mins. Arteta wont take Zubimendi out of the firing line either

Yes, you’re right I completely agree. Norgaard is a prem proven former captain of a solid prem club and he’s only been worthy of 56 mins in the prem? It’s actually a joke. 2680 for Zubimendi. Better utilisation never should’ve been out of the question. Arteta has rinsed Zubi/Timber

I miss Merino a lot, a lot of fans did not appreciate what he brought to this team because he is not flashy/aesthetically pleasing to watch most times.

However, Norgaard has been there, I’m not saying he had to start, but there was chances to take mins out of Zubi’s legs. MLS is clearly a CM too

He was very good until Jan, personally since the Sunderland 3-0 game, I’ve struggled to see a top performance from him. That’s on Mikel for over using him and he has to take responsibility too.

If Odegaard could stay fit; I’d want to see Rice Odegaard Eze for the run in

I agree, we have to be honest with what we’re seeing. Costly mistakes probably leading to 4/5 goals conceded this season. Yes, he’s played too many minutes and become a single point of failure but are his attributes that good that he can’t be replaced? Not for me.

Bruno G x Rice makes more sense

If things aren’t going great, you have Gyokeres Martinelli Zubimendi Hincapie White and Dowman to bring on. I’d hope you’d have Saka and Odegaard to bring on also.

If not, I’ve got serious concerns when we’ll see Saka again

Raya Mosquera Saliba Gabriel MLS Norgaard Rice Eze Madueke Havertz Trossard

White not been up to scratch, 4th game in 10 days not ideal. Zubimendi needs to come out of the 11, at least for this game.

Noni is your runner, Eze Kai Leo are your technical players who can link play

“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”.

Surely this applies to Arteta more than anyone when you recognise that every April without fail, this Arsenal side collapses and we see Havertz moved back to LCM. Thoughts?

#Arsecastextra

Zubimendi looks shot of confidence and I don’t think he should be starting currently.

For me, Wednesday is for Norgaard to start and when Odegaard can hopefully stay fit, the midfield 3 should be Rice Odegaard Eze

I agree, desire is one thing but we can’t just look at players to force out and replace hoping it fixes everything, we’ve done that already.

I really question the tactics and the instructions Mikel gives. It’s all too rigid and we lack real technical quality in the squad. We are just physical

@arseblog.com @gunnerblog.bsky.social

“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”.

Surely this applies to Arteta more than anyone when you recognise that every April without fail, this Arsenal side collapses and we see Havertz moved back to LCM. Thoughts?

Iraola has beaten Arteta 3 times out of the last 4 match ups. Less resources; you would assume less quality and somehow he plays fluid and with no fear.

This is what happens when you have players with a certain level of technical quality instead of building a WWE roster

Maybe Zubimendi had a purple patch and we all fell for it. Yes, he has played too many minutes but does that excuse his indecisiveness and poor performances? Not for me it doesn’t.

It is mind boggling

It’s nothing against Dowman but why would you take off both runners. Noni at least drags the team towards and wins fouls

Deserved win for Bournemouth pending, pathetic April performance again by Arteta and the players. Cowards, collectively.

No backbone, no fight, no nothing

We miss Merino so badly, a player taken for granted by too many fans

Zubimendi since I’d say the Sunderland game at home has been poor. He has played too many minutes but regardless, so so poor.

Slow and indecisive in possession, only passes sideways.

Bring Bruno G in the summer, someone who can cover for both Zubimendi and Rice

This is one of the worst 25 minutes I’ve seen from a player. Havertz is doing nothing right

Zubimendi was really frustrating last night, granted he’s played too many minutes this season but he’s been very indecisive and slow on the ball, not progressing it.

We need to sell Norgaard in the summer and bring in someone who can compete with Zubimendi properly.

Rice is doing too much atm

If Saka and Timber aren’t in the squad or make the bench, I think Mikel lines up like this:

Raya Mosquera Saliba Gabriel Cala Zubi Rice Odegaard Noni Gyokeres Leo

Bench depth: Max, Martinelli, Kai

If Saka and Timber can make the bench, great, if not, MLS/White/Norgaard there

If Mikel wanted to do everything to really win this, Saka Rice Timber Leo probably make the bench, Odegaard doesn’t come off at 1-0 down and Gabriel stays on.

If we beat Sporting and Bournemouth, fans will move on.

COYG

Should we have won with that team, yes. Do we have a right to win? No, well done to Southampton.

Not ideal but it’s very evident Mikel made a decision to prioritise his players health for the big 2 completions. Those subs were pre planned (Odegaard and Gabriel) you can tell

Missed an absolute sitter but good to see Odegaard back and playing with fluidity