₦airaland Forum

BlueRayDick:
Saka was not indecisive, he simply didn't take the uncertainty route and chose certainty instead. What I mean by that is this: the ball clearly on his right foot , if he attempts to cross with his right foot the ball may get to Gyokeres, the ball find it's way to Fofona or the other CB running back to track Gyokeres or the ball may get to Gyokeres and he will end up losing it while trying to control.

Instead Saka passed to the oncoming Ben White who eventually crossed with his strong right foot. There's no how Saka would've crossed with his left leg with Cucurella breathing down his neck in that position. I suggest you try to watch the replay again and not base your analysis on still pictures of the incident.

By the way , there was a particular ball that was released to Gyokeres (I think in the first half) which I had thought he would waltz his way through defenders and hit a nice strike. On the contrary he fumbled the ball and ended being surrounded by Chelsea defenders forcing him to play a weak harmless ball at Sanchez. You see, nothing is cast in stone.

I think the desperation of fans to see Gyokeres shine has forced a lot of fans to pick on players like Saka, Odegaard and other members of the attack. It has led to people carrying still photos to analysis situation that happen within seconds which the players don't have any agenda or reason to beef their fellow player.

Again, Agenda aside.

I was among those who were disappointed in Gyokeres but like I said, focus on this context.

Secondly, I did watch the match and have seen several replays of it. Are you telling me that same Saka that has scored several goals with his right foot and in a much tighter space and with several players around him could not be so sure his pass will get to Gyokeres and decided to take the safest route?

Bro, this thread is littered with my praises on Saka especially as regards his level of intelligence.

All I’m am saying is that, in this situation, he should have assisted Gyokeres who is under immense pressure so as to make it easy for him.

Again, I asked what if it was someone else that made the run, what if it was Timber, what do you think would have happened? You and I know that white is better at pull out than him.

BlueRayDick:
But it was same Saka that set ben White up for the run that ended in Gyokeres converting White's cross.

If Saka had passed with his weaker right foot, there is no assurance the ball will get to Gyokeres.Let's not forget there were two CB's around Gyokeres as at that time.

This agenda that Saka delibrately doesn't pass to Gyokeres in good position, I don't really buy into it. Sometimes what looks like a clear chance to you may not appear that same way to the player on the pitch.

Let Gyokeres continue to make himself available in good position and passes will seek him out . To the best of my knowledge, I don't believe there's anyone in the team who doesn't want him to succeed as a prolific goalscorer. He should continue to play for the team and things will fall into place.

I personally do not buy the Agenda too.

Infact, I am of the opinion that no one should be blamed for his poor performance since we did not do the same for Hervertz when he just joined us.

Was Saka indecisive in this context? Absolutely.

I have criticised Gyokeres on several occasion for his ball playing technique, but in this particular context, Saka should have made it easier for him.

As long as I criticize him, I would also point out situation where we could have helped him, seeing that he is under alot of pressure and that is where Saka comes in.

Odegaards' indecisiveness is glaring even not just to Gyokeres but the team as a whole. Gyokeres is just getting the brunt of it because of our high expections.

As per Ben white, what if it was Timber that was in that position? would do you think would have happened?

Its little indecisions like this that affects the outcome of games.

I love Saka, but that Gyokeres goal would have not happened if not for Ben White.

I saw the expression of frustration when Saka did not square the ball to him the first time. (Whether it would have been an Off or not is irrelevant here).

Overall, it was an Okay game only if we hadn’t allowed them to come back into the game.

We will sha finish them off at the Emirates last last.

Also, Kepa had a good game with some good saves but he needs to improve on his aerial dominance.

I hope we can further consolidate our position tomorrow. We need a win badly tomorrow.

Scenes where we are guaranteed the league by March Ending so that we can focus more on the champions league.

Men! That would be a dream come true.

But first of all, Liverpool and Chelsea on my mind.

Kudos to big Gabi. He has strong mentality.

I think this is the 2nd or 3rd time he has redeemed himself after a blunder. Good for him.

Big shout out to Declan Rice. Baba is so massive for us, but Abeg make him take an easy with the knee sliding. 😂

Seriously, if we win league, na to push agenda for Balon D’or.

Liverpool next.

This is revenge season.

BlueRayDick:
Of all the good keepers we've had from Leno, Martinez, Ramsdale and Raya during Arteta's time at Arsenal, Raya has proven himslef to be the greatest.

I know he's had his down moments too but his saves have proven to be really vital for us. I've seen him make saves that no other goalkeeper playing for other top EPL teams can pull off. The guy deserves accolades for his unbelievable saves.

I'm sure if he wins the league with Arsenal the Spanish national team coach won't have any other excuse for not starting him as Spain's number 1

Well except the Spanish team has their own bias which is the case here, Raya is the undisputed number 1 whether we have lifted a trophy or not.

If you take a look at Rayas performance and catalogue in 2025, He has made some saves that you would have no option than to applaud him.

I will give you a scenario, in the viewing center where I watched the match, I mean the Aston Villa match, we were so stunned by that Rayas’ save that we took some few seconds to react to it because everyone including me had believed it has entered.

Even the Man U fan sitting beside me admitted that Raya was good and even at some point started rooting for us.

On my part, in my head I was like “Omo this guy na keeper Abeg” reflexes choke.

Agent Xhaka and his boys working for us.

What a great start to the new year. 🤭

Roland17:
Raya has proven himself in my books. Like I can defend Raya anywhere now. It is one of Arteta’s decision that I can now confidently argue for.

This man continues to make unbelievable saves. He had no business making that save against Villa, like absolutely none.

In the past you can argue he has Saliba/ Gabu in front of him, which is fair but man has also showed up and no push over. The best goalkeeper in the EPL and top 3 in the world right now.

Spot On.

But I’m still concerned that he is still not the No 1 for the Spanish NT.

Friendly reminder that Raya has made two vital saves in our last two matches which would have turned the momentum of the game.

It’s good to remember moments like this when we win the league.

Also, if them born prem league well, make them no include him for team of the year.

They just had to ruin Raya effort.

He deserved a clean sheet.

Shegzdave:
Your prediction is almost home

E sure me die.

Relax my bro.

I say that 5-0 sure me die.

1 more to go.

Spy360 how far?

iamoyindamola:
I they with you

Oshey!! My bro.

It’s been a long time coming.

Roland17:
Shege!

3-0

E remain 2 goals.

I kid you not.

Goal Stands!!!

E remain two!!!

We must cane them today!!!

Trosaard deserved the goal.

Goal ball!!!! Their daddy

He is back!!!!!

Very Nervy first half.

Our midfield has been caught napping a few times but thank God we have brilliant defenders.

Odegaard started lively but faded as the game progressed.

Sakas head is not in this game.

Only Trosaard apart from our defenders have been lively.

Merino needs to support Zubimendi more as he seems to be the only dictating our game play in the middle.

Merino should come out for Hervertz while Gyokeres comes out for Jesus.

We need to be more clinical with Villa, as their game plan is to counter us when we lose possession.

We are winning this game.

COYG!!!!

In other news this Caicedo be like liability to Chelsea..o 😂

Very aggressive player. Small thing he is been carded.

dominique:
So Declan Rice has been ruled out of tonight's match against Aston Villa. According to Arteta, he felt some discomfort during training. Any which way we go still run am. Our forwards goal drought ends tonight

Seriously, what kind of training is Arteta and his coaching crew putting these players through? E do reach to ask o

He will be available for Chelsea game.

I think it’s just player management.

Roland17:
Baba na dis kain game I just need 3 points! How we do it, I really don’t care, just get 3 points. Ebening ba werey, e dey always wan show himself whenever we meet. No way are we spanking them that kain scoreline.

I understand.

But it will be a moral booster if we beat them blue black I swear.

Aston Villa deserves serious spanking from us.

I’m talking like 5 nil.

Their body needs to calm down.

mostob:
Na Benitez o

By Far man of the match for me.

Omo!!!!

We were supposed to win by more than 2 goals.

We can’t even defend a lead.

Nawao!!

mostob:
That guy playing left wing now.

MLS

Martinelli Dey cook this night..o

I hope guys like Martinelli and Madueke step up today.

We deserve to win this game.

Spy360:
Gyokeres is playing alongside better players than he had at Sporting. So whatever excuse we want to make for him about quality of passes doesn't hold for me.

He is playing in a better league and so the initial challenges of adaptation will be there. What he needs now to improve himself is to find a way to eavde markers. He is a striker, the first thing a striker must do is to get away from markers and make himself available for that incisive pass to finish the goal.

There was a case where Odegaard was attacking with the ball with Saka and Gyokeres besides him, he wanted to give Gyokeres that ball and he did, but Gyokeres changed the direction of his run which made it difficult for him to receive the pass cleanly.

For now we just have to be patient

No, I disagree.

That scenario was purely on Odegaard. It was suppose to be a one time pass, but Odegaard held on too long making Gyokeres confused on where he wanted to lay the pass.

Seeing the fact that Gyokeres had changed position, Saka was the next best to pass to.

Even Arteta is Nervous.

Only Rice Dey compose.

Odegaard and Saka just Dey play rubbish.

Why now!!!

Trosaard misses it.

Beautiful pass from Rice.