Sunday 14 March 2021 Ashburton Grove USA TV: NBCSN 12:30pm ET We worked hard for our victory in Greece, extra hard because we left it so late. So fatigue might be a factor, but hopefully the same goes for Spuds who also played (and won) Thursday. Both teams have positive momentum and presumably quite positive frames of mind. But Sunday it’s our chance to get revenge for them beating us 2-0 at their latrine back in December, all but wrapped up by HT. Perhaps more important, a big chance to keep the faint dream of St.Totteringham’s alive. We’re 7 pts behind them with 11 games to play. Perhaps even more important, a prime opportunity to hand their a$$hole manager a defeat... would be very sweet indeed. p.s. Just hope Mikel picks a better outfit than he wore Thursday. Zip-up hoodie under suit jacket... just not on.
I neeed a bigger sofa. I have to see the eye doctor that day, so I might not be able to see as well...
Another bit of inspiration perhaps... We haven't lost 3 straight league games to them since 1974! Which so happens to be the year I joined the cause. (Some may recall that my original handle was @Nortbank74)
Bad feeling. But we're good defensively so don't expect a high scoring match. I'd be happy with a bunker plan and draw honestly. Would love if we beat them. Mentally that would take us tops.
Some talk on arsecast about Pepe: If he doesn’t start tomorrow then when??? They were talking up a straight swap of Pepe for Saka. Leave Bukayo on bench to give him a rest and a break from all the kicking he’s been attracting. I’d be Ok with that. But don’t bet on it!
Sakas best matches recently have come on the right, and Pepes from the left, so its annoying to see Arteta push Auba on the left and Pepe onto the right.
No Willian! But Pepe still can't get a start. ESR is back. No Martinelli on the bench. Laca starts over Auba. 🚨 Three changes from Athens...➡️ Cedric, Smith Rowe, Lacazette⬅️ Bellerin, Willian, Aubameyang#ARSTOT | #NorthLondonDerby— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 14, 2021
All players in the men’s first-team squad are currently available for selection. From Arsenal.com, Martinelli not even on the bench. what's going on?
Just back form the eye doctor. I've got my 'Far out man', hippy eyes on. I can barely see after they put drops in. to dilate my pupils.
Aubu on the bench for disciplinary reasons. He's on the bench today and that's it, a line under it. According to Arteta. Couldn't they have disciplined him in an 'easier' match? Mind you, he's not exactly setting the world on fire is he?
I don't know how true it is, but someone said they'd seen he'd asked to be left out for family reason.
They are talking about Auba not playing, and nobody really understands it. "Maybe not showing up for a meeting..." really?
Why is Aubu still on the bench then? I wonder what time he'll come on? I have a bad feeling about this match, anyone positive about it?
Not a great look when the team captain and highest paid player is publicly punished like this. Combined with discipline issues on the pitch with all the red cards, I think it is fair to question what is going on. Is Arteta trying to clean up an undisciplined squad? Is he being unreasonable and handing out harsh punishment for things more experienced managers let slide? Or is he not able to control his locker room?
Re: Auba on the bench Not sure howI feel about this. Pundits are now trying to say why he should be punished later, but I don't want to create a clubhouse where certain personalities get special treatment, either. I just hope Arteta is being consistent here. C`mon you Gunners!