Topic: Arsenal: Top of the divers league

[RedSince86]

RIP to that little Gooner.

[JRed]

You read what he said and that's your take away from it? Something the majority of Liverpool fans on the forum already has said?

Yes. Maybe because I’ve noticed quite a lot of subtle digs in their posts lately.

It’s one thing Liverpool fans voicing their concerns on a Liverpool fc board. Going on a rival clubs board and saying they won’t challenge is quite another, especially when you’ve already put a few subtle digs in.

[Dim Glas]

Love Kloppo’s parting dig at arsenal (and all other serial-cheaters) 

"We didn't waste time, we didn't invent new cheeky things for set pieces. Getting rid of gloves or whatever and these kind of things. We didn't do that.

"We just tried to fight harder than other teams. It was an incredible time."

[Crosby Nick]

Love Kloppo’s parting dig at arsenal (and all other serial-cheaters) 

"We didn't waste time, we didn't invent new cheeky things for set pieces. Getting rid of gloves or whatever and these kind of things. We didn't do that.

"We just tried to fight harder than other teams. It was an incredible time."

My manager.

[JRed]

Love Kloppo’s parting dig at arsenal (and all other serial-cheaters) 

"We didn't waste time, we didn't invent new cheeky things for set pieces. Getting rid of gloves or whatever and these kind of things. We didn't do that.

"We just tried to fight harder than other teams. It was an incredible time."

Jürgen always knows exactly what to say.

[The North Bank]

City and Arsenal are the only two teams guaranteed top 4 next season.

Now I personally think Liverpool and Chelsea will be the other two (mainly because Spurs and United are too far back and Spurs will have Europe next season), but Chelsea are still a basket-case for now, and we have no idea at all how Liverpool will look next season. We've lost two of our most experienced (although injury prone) players today, and a full bus load of backroom staff and our manager are all leaving. There is 100% no guarantee we will even have another 80-point season let alone challenge for the title and I would personally take 3rd and another domestic cup now so long as it was clear to see Slot was settling and we were making progress.

One thing I will say despite how pointless it is, if we had Rice or Rodri in our team we would have won the league this season. We badly need a player like that and I just don't see one out there.

Agreed, i also see chelsea getting in 4th

[The North Bank]

Yes. Maybe because I’ve noticed quite a lot of subtle digs in their posts lately.

It’s one thing Liverpool fans voicing their concerns on a Liverpool fc board. Going on a rival clubs board and saying they won’t challenge is quite another, especially when you’ve already put a few subtle digs in.

That’s ridiculous, i should change my prediction on how i see next season panning out because im on a liverpool forum?  Thats not a prediction, thats sucking up.

[JRed]

City and Arsenal are the only two teams guaranteed top 4 next season.

Now I personally think Liverpool and Chelsea will be the other two (mainly because Spurs and United are too far back and Spurs will have Europe next season), but Chelsea are still a basket-case for now, and we have no idea at all how Liverpool will look next season. We've lost two of our most experienced (although injury prone) players today, and a full bus load of backroom staff and our manager are all leaving. There is 100% no guarantee we will even have another 80-point season let alone challenge for the title and I would personally take 3rd and another domestic cup now so long as it was clear to see Slot was settling and we were making progress.

One thing I will say despite how pointless it is, if we had Rice or Rodri in our team we would have won the league this season. We badly need a player like that and I just don't see one out there.

I don’t think Arsenal are guaranteed top 4. They’ve peaked this season and will still end up empty handed. They’ve had incredible luck with injuries( Saka might actually ,genuinely get injured next season) and referees. Next year the refs might not be so tolerant of them and other teams will be a bit more wary and prepared for Arsenal’s on pitch cheating.  Chelsea will improve , Saudi will likely spend . Liverpool, with a couple of additions should be a lot stronger too. Ange mate seems to be improving Spurs too. With a bit of luck, Arsenal will struggle for top 4.

[deano2727]

I don’t think Arsenal are guaranteed top 4. They’ve peaked this season and will still end up empty handed. They’ve had incredible luck with injuries( Saka might actually ,genuinely get injured next season) and referees. Next year the refs might not be so tolerant of them and other teams will be a bit more wary and prepared for Arsenal’s on pitch cheating.  Chelsea will improve , Saudi will likely spend . Liverpool, with a couple of additions should be a lot stronger too. Ange mate seems to be improving Spurs too. With a bit of luck, Arsenal will struggle for top 4.

While I think it's likely they'll finish in the top 4, I mentioned the other day that I wouldn't be surprised if they finished with fewer points next season. I don't think there is any guarantee they'll be challenging for the title next year as many seem to think.

They're a very good team without being exceptional. Stronger teams than this Arsenal side have had a poor season after a few gruelling seasons (peak City & Liverpool).

[Egyptian36]

Is Arsenal a big club ? argued with an Arsenal fan today who kept saying they are

[rob1966]

Is Arsenal a big club ? argued with an Arsenal fan today who kept saying they are

Oh yes, deffo. Honours wise, its 13 leagues, 14 FA Cups, long history, they're 100% a big club (whisper it, but Everton were once too)

They're huge in Nigeria, I used to work with a lad from there, him and all his mates followed Arsenal.

[Coolie High]

While I think it's likely they'll finish in the top 4, I mentioned the other day that I wouldn't be surprised if they finished with fewer points next season. I don't think there is any guarantee they'll be challenging for the title next year as many seem to think.

They're a very good team without being exceptional. Stronger teams than this Arsenal side have had a poor season after a few gruelling seasons (peak City & Liverpool).

People said the exact same thing this season, I think I might have even been one of them. Whether they’re exceptional or not personnel wise I’m not sure, but one thing they are is exceptionally coached I don’t see them just fading away when they’re best players, some of the better players in the league are 25 and under, Saliba,  Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli, Rice is a good core to build on.

[The North Bank]

People said the exact same thing this season, I think I might have even been one of them. Whether they’re exceptional or not personnel wise I’m not sure, but one thing they are is exceptionally coached I don’t see them just fading away when they’re best players, some of the better players in the league are 25 and under, Saliba,  Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli, Rice is a good core to build on.

Last season was down to luck
This season is down to luck
Next season will be down to luck

We’re not very good, but the luckiest team around and I dont see that changing any time soon

[spartan2785]

Last season was down to luck
This season is down to luck
Next season will be down to luck

We’re not very good, but the luckiest team around and I dont see that changing any time soon

Arsenal are a very good team, completely deserve to be where they are, but let's not act like they've not been extremely lucky with injuries the last two seasons, at no point have Arsenal to had deal with a playing a second string team like Liverpool, or multiple other clubs. 

If I'm being fair, the best teams that Liverpool have had in the last few years have also been lucky with injuries for the most part.  Mane, Firmino, and Salah had a spell where they were basically injury free for years, the year we won the league we were relatively healthy the entire year, you need that luck against Abu Dhabi to stay in it, since they basically get lucky every year not having a injury crisis.

Arsenal will be very good next year, but it will be interesting to see how Arteta might deal with a injury crisis since he hasn't had to deal with one in the last two years (and no having one player out in Saliba is not a crisis).  All of this isn't new, it's been talked about to death on here and outside as well. 

I am most interested to see how Liverpool will do if they have an injury free season, the last time they did we almost won the lot, and the time before that we won the league, so while it will of course be different and extremely tough to do without Klopp, it would be nice to see us not be devestated as per usual by injuries.

[koptommy93]

I have a feeling this lot are winning the league on Sunday.

[deano2727]

People said the exact same thing this season, I think I might have even been one of them. Whether they’re exceptional or not personnel wise I’m not sure, but one thing they are is exceptionally coached I don’t see them just fading away when they’re best players, some of the better players in the league are 25 and under, Saliba,  Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli, Rice is a good core to build on.

That's all true, but again, better teams than this Arsenal side have had poor seasons in recent years. Would it really be that much of a shock if they didn't push on and get 90+ points?

I agree though, a solid side that are coached very well. I'm just not sold that they're guaranteed to be up there next year. They may well still finish second, but would it be so surprising if it was on 84 points?

[JRed]

People said the exact same thing this season, I think I might have even been one of them. Whether they’re exceptional or not personnel wise I’m not sure, but one thing they are is exceptionally coached I don’t see them just fading away when they’re best players, some of the better players in the league are 25 and under, Saliba,  Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli, Rice is a good core to build on.

You can’t guarantee any team will finish top 4. Look what happened to us after nearly winning the quadruple.
They could get their first injury crisis, they could get a season of ref decisions that we’ve just had. Other teams might improve. They might not deal with successive failures very well.
Odourgard might lose his camera. Anything could happen.

[The North Bank]

I have a feeling this lot are winning the league on Sunday.

Parade starts Monday at 5pm, Islington council

[Andar]

Last season was down to luck
This season is down to luck
Next season will be down to luck

We’re not very good, but the luckiest team around and I dont see that changing any time soon

Always seem to face opposition with injured players. That is my favourite one. Staying injury free is just behind in 2nd.

[smicer07]

Always seem to face opposition with injured players. That is my favourite one. Staying injury free is just behind in 2nd.

How do you feel about losing the league to City, Dan?

[deano2727]

Always seem to face opposition with injured players. That is my favourite one. Staying injury free is just behind in 2nd.

Don't worry Andar lad, there's always next year. Or the year after that.

[JRed]

Don't worry Andar lad, there's always next year. Or the year after that.

Next year will be their year…

[newterp]

Last season was down to luck
This season is down to luck
Next season will be down to luck

We’re not very good, but the luckiest team around and I dont see that changing any time soon

You planning on finishing in 2nd for a 3rd consecutive year?

[JRed]

You planning on finishing in 2nd for a 3rd consecutive year?

They’re happy with 2nd aren’t they?

[AthleticClub]

Last season was down to luck
This season is down to luck
Next season will be down to luck

We’re not very good, but the luckiest team around and I dont see that changing any time soon

And won the sum total of fuck all

[Tobelius]

You planning on finishing in 2nd for a 3rd consecutive year?

It'd beat Spurs 3 year stint when they came 2nd or 3rd for sure 

Would need to beat that runner-up in CL still

[JRed]

It'd beat Spurs 3 year stint when they came 2nd or 3rd for sure 

Would need to beat that runner-up in CL still

Yeah they just can’t quite hit the heights of CL runner up

[The North Bank]

Always seem to face opposition with injured players. That is my favourite one. Staying injury free is just behind in 2nd.

Yeh i dont know why people expect it to change next season. Surely luck explains all.

[Terry de Niro]

Unless the cheats are dealt with severely, and I very much doubt that they will be.
The rest of the pack will just have to get used to them hoovering up trophy after trophy. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[Samie]

I cannot wait for this thread to die over the summer.

[Terry de Niro]

I cannot wait for this thread to die over the summer.

TNB doesn't do holidays.

[slaphead]

TNB doesn't do holidays.

Not even Skiing ?

[The North Bank]

I cannot wait for this thread to die over the summer.

This thread will never die !

[child-in-time]

TNB doesn't do holidays.

Unless he goes skiing.

[Son of Spion]

Is Arsenal a big club ? argued with an Arsenal fan today who kept saying they are

Third biggest in England behind Liverpool and Man United. Biggest club in London by far.

[exiledintheUSA]

Is Arsenal a big club ? argued with an Arsenal fan today who kept saying they are

Yep, massive to be honest.  Sadly, their fan-base is a tad overbearing and that sours their status.

[Yorkykopite]

Yep, massive to be honest.  Sadly, their fan-base is a tad overbearing and that sours their status.

It's definitely a big club in England. It's not top tier. Top tier is obviously us and the Mancs. And it's a minnow in Europe - there to make up the numbers and be gobbled up. But in England, yes, definitely a fairly big club.   

[Dim Glas]

Yep, massive to be honest.  Sadly, their fan-base is a tad overbearing and that sours their status.

In England yes, but not in Europe. A club that’s never won the European Cup/CL, and only managed to get to one final, and never won the UEFA Cup/Europa either, can’t be considerered one of Europe’s big clubs. Arsenal’s European record is actually pathetic.

[Black Bull Nova]

Arsenal are the equivalent of Roma and Atletico Madrid, based in the capital, they win things and always there or thereabouts but without that win at the top table that seperate them from United, Liverpool, Real, Milan, Inter, Juventus, Barca, Bayern etc  (I don't include City in that because they cheated, Chelsea because they used a criminal's money to get there and PSG because they have not done it either, despite the money)

[justsean]

Genuinely interested to see how they handle the having to go toe to toe with City year after year. It’s hard work. We often had one great season and then a recovery one and then a great one again etc. once European football becomes a full time fixture to think about.

Not saying they won’t do it but it’s a whole different expectation on the players and v hard to ask them to keep going year after year against this club who have two full squads that would both challenge for the league.