₦airaland Forum

BlueRayDick:
No even disturb urself, ibime has done Lords work on mikel matter on this very thread.

Just type " Ibime mikel" in the search box and enjoy a good read on popi's MCM

Lol.. I don go through am this evening. Ibi.me finish work for there

popizaino:
I have never seen a more bitter fan than Arsenal fan they would rather commit suicide than say anything good about us.

Lol.. I don use one full day for here defend Jorginho nominee for balon dor and European best.
I don defend hazard for here too, saying he's not a fraud
All those while we been dey together.

Even Essien wey I bring na Chelsea player
But now wey I don attack your fallacy about Mikel being African best, you don turn am to "I don't see any arsenal fan saying anything good Chelsea"

Better change your eyes oo, cos the way you're seeing things now, I no com dey understand

Emaprince:
You are right about Mikel being able to receive the ball under pressure and still shrug off his markers. But he was never adventurous at all. Essien should be above him.

Gbam!!
The same stick he's using to flog Jorginho is now what he's now using to rate Mikel as African best after Yaya

andrewbaba44:
I rate Mikel but I no just wan argue

Forget Mikel. Na u-20 eye we take dey take dey look am. We all know he had the talent than what he ordinarily dished us but as long as him no dish us him main talent na kolewerk.

We can say Mou turned his game upside down but that's another topic entirely. The koko is that what he played as a Chelsea player no even deserve him being named top 5 best African midfielders.

popizaino:



Walahi! The only reason why I am dignifying this your comment with a response is that you used an active player PARTEY which would be easier for me to point out his flaws than a retired player. Thank God I have reignited my passion in watching Arsenal ball again, so just chill and relax I will be bringing you update. Everyone can claim to trap the ball perfectly with no pressure around him but it's when there is slight pressure that's when we will separate the ordinary player from good ones. I have seen mikel receiving the ball perfectly well at the height of Benitez Liverpool, SAF man united to have come to this conclusion.

Boss ko vehicle ni.

Point out the flaws in partey game from the few you've watched let us hear.

What's the point of having a good first touch and beating press if you can not use it and do anything meaningful as a midfielder? While that isn't a bad attribute but it cannot be categorically used to grade world class midfielders. You no even talk about passes to include to the attribute(which is your personal anthem) but na control and first touch ONLY.

Na why my guy dey always see bench for Chelsea na

afrodoc:
Dylan Levitt made his Man Utd debut in the Europa League in 2019 and controlled the game with 104 passes with 96% pass accuracy. It is almost 3 years since then and he has not played another minute for the club. They wasted 2 years of his development with ridiculous loan deals.

Even though Pedri is a superior talent if he was at United they would still be holding him back in the reserve team because of his relatively small size.

it's so sad. Esp a team like man u who pride themselves of promoting from within. See how they've wasted Levitt's talent with loans while struggling with mata and lingard. Lingard wey dem for don chop west ham money clean mouth

When I see youngsters from other top teams making it esp midfielders, it surprises me more tbh

Spy360:
Exactly. It's the manager who should be praised. The fact is that our team is actually weaker than when the season began. We have lost some quality either due to a bloated squad or indiscipline. Nevertheless, the coach has somehow made something out of the little leftovers. This is huge for me.

More importantly, as you also pointed, the team bond is so great that even fans have become infected by it and everyone is catching the bug. The atmosphere at the Emirates has been so lifted that coming there is a joy for everyone including the fringe players. You see how the team and fans celebrate each win as if it's the final. As it stands now, if we eventually finish top 4 by God's grace, Emirates will be the place to be, the major attraction for many players who will be moving in the summer.

So you know all these things
Instead of you to allow us bask on the team's victory and coach success, you're always attacking lacazette(as if he's the key to our success) and the DWYL mantra

BlueRayDick:
The truth is both defence and attack+ midfield have been essential in our recent rise in form, but defence has been really outstanding above every other department .

We’ve had Cedric casually slot into our back 4 in the absence of Tomiyasu yet no real threat from that side of defence .

We’ve seen us conceded over 130 corners and conceded zero direct goals from the resultant corner kicks , that’s our defence marshaled by the keeper doing its work.

We’ve seen our defence fight hard for victories in the last 10 minutes of matches in recent games.....that’s our defence ensuring we keep the lead and eventually win the match. Just this last match we saw how spirited everybody on the back line and even the midfielders were towards the end of the match in a bid to ensure we come out tops following the first half goal.

Yes , of a truth we we won’t win games if attackers and midfielders don’t ensure we get get goals , but we could equally lose such matches if the defence reverts back to the time of Papasthapopulous, Luiz , Holding and Mustafi as mainstay CB’s

I don’t think defence or attack wins u leagues , I think both wins u league. Like Spy pointed out using examples like Man city and Loserpool they both have good players in all the departments that have mastered their coach do system . Let’s allow these boys to play together and learn Arteta’s system , let the board bring in more quality signings and maybe we will have a team that will bring back the lost glories for us .

If Spy have come through this angle, I for no talk pim

But how will we be winning matches and dominating teams and Spy twist it around and say na DWYL

Spy360:
I will understand if you think it's the midfield or attack that is making the difference because that is where the goals come from. That is what is called the illusion of fanaticism. It's the reason why attacking players win the ballon for always.

If you have ever played football you know that the psychology of attacking players is largely dependent on their defensive colleagues. Take PSG for example, their recent debacle is a case of poor defense despite boasting about the best attack in the world.

Like I said, which you bolded but ignored... There is at least one player we MUST replace in both our midfield and attack. But there is none in the defense. This is enough point of argument to make any rational mind succumb. I would if this argument is put to me.

The reason why we dominate teams is because our defenders press high. Also when we lose an attacking player to red card, that ends our attack but the defense stays firm. Put that the other way around and you understand what I am saying.

And please stop all those Liverpool and Man City rubbish examples. They have the best defenses in the league. At least if you want to make examples use proper ones that portray your side of the argument- a team with a weak defense.

You are asking for clean sheets prior to Leicester. That's funny because the league position we are in was not in effect prior to Leicester.

I need you to argue better than this. You know that I enjoy arguing with you.

From your points, you'll think that I'm saying we should buy/get all the best attacking players. No. That's the reason why I'm always insistent on Balance. Balance, balance, balance!!.
The PSG team lacks balance, anyone who watches football or watches that team knows they lack balance esp in midfield and attack. A defence that the best young Gk in the world (if not one of the best), plus 3× champions league starter Gk in navas, Hakimi, Marquinhos, kipembe is what you're saying is poor? Are you serious Spy.

Maybe you don't understand the meaning of balance. Lemme explain to you. Balance(in attack) is when there's a cohesion between midfield players and attacking players. That's why A xhaka partey odegaard trio of midfield will dominate most midfield compared to a partey odegaard Smith Rowe midfield.
You might think Xhaka is useless but look at his role very well and you'll observe that he's a recycler/controller. He's one of the reason we hardly lose possession in that left hand side and he draws partey forward. He also acts as a defensive cover anytime partey or Tierney attacks. Do you think Smith Rowe can do that in this 433? The last time we tried that smith Rowe trio f"ckin Burnley bypassed our midfield.

I see you saying we need not change anyone in our defence. I presume you forgot that it's Cedric that's playing Tomi role since January and he's played it so well that we haven't missed him much. Same way Tavarez played exceptionally well when Tierney was injured that most people did not mind if Tierney was relegated to the bench until Liverpool exposed tavarez inexperience. That's two of our back 4 doing well. Can you beat your chest that if partey and saka is injured now, elneny(or lokonga) and Pepe will do their work effectively? I know how many times pepe lost possession against Watford and Aston Villa and how this singular act makes us lose domination most times. If Pepe can do that against tired defences, how much more wen he starts?

PSG lack balance, same as man u. A team who has balance with good players will beat a team without balance filled with world class players. That's why you see arsenal thriving and dominating same as barca and you see Man u and PSG struggling. Until PSG have a good balance between midfield and attack that's when they'll be a force to reckon with. Did they even have any good Am sef?

There's a reason Xhaka played Tottenham game with partey, after that game (how we played Tottenham in the first half especially), I knew that we need Xhaka in this team(this season) that we do not really know and I commented here after his injury that Partey Xhaka partnership is the best for now no matter his head-touching. Same as lacazette

As for your bolded, I asked you that question just after we finished playing Leicester, so don't spin it as if I just chose Leicester out of the blues

BlueRayDick:
Omo we dey the same state of mind . If possible make dem knack these youngsters 10 years extension at a go sef.... I don’t want to see us lose any of them for any reason .

AnfieldFan:
Reminds me of Liverpool's spice boys...

Liverpool of those days

CapitalCee:
Dont let Alabi and co see this. Na ole finish this team finally. Renewing contracts for useless players. It was during Ole that We bought AWB and Maguire, renewed the contracts of Bailly, Matic, Grant, Mata, Jones and Rojo. Gave unbelievable contracts to DDG, Martial and Rashford. Refused to sell Pogba and Lingard since. E no go ever better for Ole walahi

Ole sins too much sha.
Na the renewing of Deadwood's contract and killing of the winning mentality in the squad that really off me.

Wetin Mata and Jones(especially still dey do for this club bikonu? Even Ozil no do arsenal reach this extent na

CapitalCee:
We have been saying this for ages but the team will nit learn. I don comot my hand patapata from this team until they offload some certain players. Look at our academy i see at least 5 potential first team players in our U -18, Maino, Garnacho, Hansen-Aaron, Mcniel and the GK. We also have Fernandez and Hannibal from the U-23. How many years is Gavi, Nico and Pedri in Barca, how old was Fati when he got promoted? We need a massive clearout: Pogba, AWB, Matic, Grant, Mata, Lingard, Cavani, DDG, Bailly, Jones, Martial and Grant.

This has always been my point. You guys have one of the best u-23 midfielders from what I've been reading from different football sites, what stops you guys from promoting at least 1 or 2.

I don dey hear Hannibal for here as at same time I heard greenwood, yet it's almost 3yrs (if not 3yrs) that greenwood have been transitioned into the first team and Hannibal still dey there. If you guys promote one or two, nobody go even tell dem Mata or lingard to even renew contract sef

BlueRayDick:
Not Emery, Martinelli actually signed an improved contract in 2020 under Arteta. That's why he gets paid that well.

I beleive Saka will be getting above 120k anytime soon. He deserves it and more. I just hope the money no go too much for the boy to manage and he will remain focused.

https://www.arsenal.com/news/martinelli-signs-new-long-term-contract

Oh, now I get it thanks. I hope the duration is long enough oo, make all these bad belle clubs no come dey hover around am.

If Saka is given 120k he deserves it, same with ESR too. I hope their duration of the contract will be long too

popizaino:
There are touches on the ball that are unique to white players alone and Mikel happens to be the only Black Player I have seen with such unique touch, no matter the pressure in the midfield, the occasion, the atmosphere,Mikel Obi has never had to control/trap the ball twice. That alone is the reason why I rate him so highly. As usual,I won't blame you guys for if you couldn't spot this unique feature about Mikel's game, you know it not everyone who meticulously observes players when watching ball, some of us just watch the score board waiting to come to nairaland and argue.

As for the bolded, maybe you should broaden your horizon or "eye-scope" more. Even T.Partey does the bolded presently dating back from his athletic days and he still push attack after doing that unlike Mikel that will side pass or back pass.
What you just described is Arthur Melo —Good first unique touch, can beat the press. After that nothing else
No wonder the Arthur Melos of this world are always seeing bench in their team (Arthur, Mikel, Elneny ).


Going nationally, Mikel is not even the best Nigerian. Mikel no fit lace Oliseh boot not to talk of being better than him. During Alex Song prime, Song na Mikel boss. Not to talk of Essien and Seydou Keita.

Abeg boss, no disrespect African midfielders and Africa as a Continent. I take God beg you

popizaino:
Essien played for the same club as Mikel but I still called Mikel the best should tell you that your attempt at savage just fell flat.

Lol.. Perhaps it might have skipped your Memory that Essien Played for Chelsea na

afrodoc2:
I actually support him in this. He said he is YET TO SEE a better African midfielder, not that he is the best. Who are we to judge what another man may or may not have seen.

This talk solid

BlueRayDick:
You for ask am wetin make Mikel be the second best African midfielder in history
.....make we for know how to take him serious or otherwise

Abi.. Cos the thing surprise me. I had to read that post like 2-3 times to be sure say na wetin him mean.

Popizaino, how far the bolded?

daveP:
It's just so odd they don't reason such stuff well.

Meanwhile, see the Current Salary Structure.

Mehn, this our wage structure is doping dope. No cap, Arteta did a very very good job cutting down the wage bill. It means if Lacazette goes, we'll have just only partey on 200k while the rest on less than 150k. So make sense.


But how the hell did martinelli gets up to £90k esp when he's coming from the division 4 in Brazil? It's high na.

Na Emery people dash am dat one?

popizaino:
Mikel Obi is better than Okocha even without trophies sha. I am yet to see any midfielder from Africa better than Mikel maybe just Yaya Toure.

Let's pretend that Keita is an Asian and Essien is a European.

Perennial benchwarmer Mikel is the best African midfielder after Yaya? I laff

Spy360:
Na lie.

In our mi dfield we need to replace at least one player. Same with attack. It's only defense that we can confidently go into next season without any form of replacement.

Your 'more than one goal per match' even proves defense is the main key to our recent success.
Our strongest department as it stands now is the defense. And they are the reason we have so much confidence chasing the top 4.

Lol.. Na during the early stages of this season I'll give kudos to our defence wen we were scrapping wins/draws while playing badly. While I will never deny the fact that our defence have improved drastically but you see the confidence guys now have here and opponents/rival fans are tipping us for top 4? It's because of our midfield and attack.

I mean, we outposses teams, outshoot teams, create more chances than teams and outscore teams, have more touches in opposition half and opposition box than our opponents, yet na defence dey help us .
Na for our box 18 we dey do all these things?

When defence was helping us and our midfield and attack wasn't balanced esp first half of season, no be here we dey cry and gnash teeth even while we were winning?

I asked you a question last week? How many clean sheets have we kept prior to Leicester game wey you dey claim say no be our midfield and attack dey help us?

As for the bolded, even the best teams replace a player(s) for improvement. I didn't say this is our final bus stop, but as far as this season is concerned, our midfield and attack are balanced (and is open for improvement). Example is Liverpool. The season they carried league, they won it as early as late Feb or early match(if I'm not mistaken). Did that stop Klopp from buying Jota the next season? No. Guardiola have won 3 league trophies out of 5 seasons, does that stop him from buying players after every of his triumphant season?

You deceive yourself if you think our main turnaround in results and performance is not from us dominating teams and creating chances. Go to different thread and see people raving about ESR, martinelli, odegaard and saka. I guess those are our back four

It's a known fact that anytime a team dominates another team, pegs dem backs to their opposition half and create chances, it's the work of the understanding between the midfield and attack. Most of the time, defence and keeper have little to do.

Akinbahm:
Swears, you go like arguments for real life ooh.

I fit source for person wey go sponsor you go study Philosophy or Law?

.
Na Spy no wan gree make person drink water drop cup na. ;

The bolded no go bad oo

FirstbornWds:
Nooo. Na because Europa ni gree. Them don accept to allow two.more inclusions anyway.

Anyhow sha, una still get squad depth. Make una free us wey no get depth biko

BlueRayDick:
This guy ehn

U don even get abbreviation for them

Spy na case walahi

daveP:
After International Break.

See the KOT. Not fair. Last Time we played Man U at midday, it was all 3points for Arsenal under Wenger.

Na why Arteta just dey para about the schedule after Liverpool's match.

It's not fair esp the timing of Chelsea and Man u match. See how our players were almost gassed out against Aston villa midway through the 2nd half, It makes me Wonder how we might cope against Man u. Thankfully we're playing at home

Man u vs Arsenal is always a big match.
Why will dey play it at 12:30 instead of the customary 4:30/5:30 time that they normally play big matches on Saturdays?

Spy360:
I believe you can now see how a solid defense ensures you win games even if you have Lacazette (4goals in 28games) as your main striker?

Because it's only Lacazette that scores our goals shey??

For your information na midfield and attack dey win us games, reason why we're always dominating teams and creating chances which yielded goals.

The belief we have now is because of the creative balance the midfield and attack have been. Reason why we've been scoring more than one goal per match averagely

Spy360:
Defense Wins You League

Wahala!!!

FirstbornWds:
We need squad depth jhor. Make una come take Depay..

una Squad depth wey don choke finish.
No be squad depth no make una register Alves for Europa?

I think 2weeks ago, Sod09 talked about arsenal having 118 or so corners and yet having conceded zero goals

Update: Arsenal have conceded 133 corners and still haven't conceded any goal.

Credit to Nick Jover cos I don't think arsenal have had such tremendous success as this by this stage of the season.

No wonder Cedric and Tierney just dey carry ball go corner with little or no pressure against Aston Villa. E don sure dem say nothing dey enter net

ChristineC:
as an interim, I think it is harder rallying players who already have a very poor mentality or approach. another thing is that the players know the manager will most likely be gone after 5 months anyways, why run for him?
in a showbiz team like Manchester United currently are, an interim can find it harder to enforce new discipline standards like a ban on social media for example, especially when it's quite clear that he doesn't have full authority, evidenced by your own illustration of Varane-Lindelof partnership. every busy baby know Rangnick will rather pay with 10 men than have this Maguire complete his matchday team.
excerpts of leaked team news and dressing room show downs, real or rumoured, demonstrate the level of respect, or better put, professionalism; inherent in the team.
the "get out if you want" stances maintained by Rangnick in pressers is a pointer to how much control he craves.
but like some have opined, the fault is not just from a single source.

Yeah, it'll be very very difficult for an interim coack to enforce his style of play esp in this man u, reason why I no too blame rangnick. But I know for rangnick to bench Ronaldo, Bruno, Rashford and some ole untouchables then he has the guts and that's the kind of coach that is needed at Man u. A coach that will reset everybody's head and bench any underperforming player

ObaIgwe1:
Don't mind them, leave them. They forgot there were times he was banging even more goals at Arsenal and at Dortmund, even went on to become season Top scorer at both club, till.... (we know how it ended at both clubs). Let them enjoy him while it last. I really have nothing against Auba and I am happy he found his goal scoring boot again, but I also have no regret that he left us... He might still not be scoring even without suspension if he had remained at Arsenal.

True Arsenal needs a young brilliant, rugged and consistent CF to complete this present team but surely not a 32yo Auba.

Co-signed and your supported 100%%

Spy360:
On the latest episode of DWYL...

wetin DWYL mean abeg?