Weds 19 December 2018 Ashburton Grove USA TV: ESPN+ 2:45pm ET Being as this the least important competition we play, that our back line is threadbare, which saw an end to our 22 match undefeated streak, and it's a midweek game during fixture congestion, it may be slightly harder get up for this particular NLD? OK, they may claim a better trophy haul than us in League Cup: 4-2, but where it’s really mattered we’ve got more silverware by some distance: League 13-2, FA Cup 13-8. And head-to-head over all competitions, we’ve got them: 82W-51D-63L. And let’s not forget that just 2 weeks ago this happened... Those were some priceless memories for Gooners far and wide. Weds will be a BIG test for Emery and the boys. Win this and we're already in the Semis! I only wish I could watch it live.
If it weren't a derby, I would agree with you. I'm just not sure we can get off with playing the youngsters. The fans would be going for blood if we did and got hammered.
I’m so torn with this one. I know playing a strong side will hurt us in the league, but we’ve had a great start to the season yet still are outside of top 4 looking in. To be on pace for almost 80 points and staring at a 5th place finish, part of me says to just switch focus to the cups. With most of the strong CL sides not dropping down to Europa, we are 2nd favorites to win it. This EFL cup will have at least one minnow in the semis so we have a pretty good chance at getting to the final if we dispatch spuds. Plus, this final is in Feb and can give the side something to build on going into the later rounds of the EL, FA cup and league. Also, fcuk spurs...I want to keep their trophy cabinet empty.
I see no reason to expect that Emery will choose a lot of youngsters. Maybe 3-4 but that's it. Even the last UEL match against Qarabag, where there was absolutely nothing on the line, he started only 4 kids (AMN, Nketiah, Saka & Willock) plus 3 older b-teamers (Jenks, Martinez & Elneny). This is a quarter-final, and I expect him field quite a bit of experience.
It's very clear that either Ozil doesn't want to play ball with Emery, or Emery doesn't want to play ball with Ozil. Interestingly enough, I don't think any large majority of fans would side with Ozil on this one.
Felt like Mhiki was denied a stonewall peno. We've been poor, but with this lineup, it's to be expected.
Because it's the North London Derby. Fans would crucify him if he played the kids and it was a route. That said, this is not a good game. I feel like we've been better than Spurs at most times, but the scoreline says differently.
Alli gets hit in the head with a bottle from the stands, Sokratis goes and points out who did it immediately. Then, instead of acting like a normal human being, Alli turns back to the crowd and gestures 2-0 at them. What a prick. I hate this Spurs team more than I can put into words.
So now lots of key guys will play an extra game over this busy period when we already have major injuries in defence And we will lose This is pure muppetry from Emery The only point of the mickey mouse cup is for fringe players to get playing time
I think it's fair to say that it is a bad call from Emery, but we can also chalk that down to lack of experience in the league. No matter how many people warn him about the festive period, he's just going to have to experience it for himself. Regardless of our injury problems, there is major work to do with this squad.
Why does Emery persist with taking off Iwobi before he can no longer run. The team hasn't created a single attack since he has come off. Say what you want about his final ball, but at least he creates a chance for a final ball.
Watching the Spurs fans celebrate this win is hilarious. As Jitty said, it's a mickey mouse cup. The game that mattered they got absolutely trounced. Spurs will always find a way to make their small club mentality center stage. With that being said, we are going to start dropping points, and it's just as important people get behind the team now, just like they were when we were on our unbeaten run.
Well Spuds are not exactly playing a weakened team. We had chances but fluffed our lines. Not a good game for us results wise but we had more chances and I think played well minus finishing in the final third. As much as I like the potential of Mateo and Alex Iwobi, I think we could have used Ozil today. At the end of the day, Emery is going to need some time to mould this team the way he wants. Players like Eddie and AMN are just not ready for this level yet.
Literally the only point of Mickey Mouse cup rounds is to give fringe players actual game time So not only did Emery not do that but now Arsenal is also out so there are no more games like this to play them in
The Xhaka experiemnt at the back really needs to end. If we are going to rely on the longer ball to transition then it has to be him. Two games without his passing range and two losses.
Short of maybe Iwobi and Geezy everyone else looks preseason. Getting physically done all over the pitch. Kos needs like 2 more months of U23 ball. When I see Kane with bulldoze a cb and go down like a summer flower 10 seconds later it makes me want to punch a wall.