₦airaland Forum

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.

Fkforyou:
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.

Trossard sent Estevão out of the frame and what he did to Chalobah?? Filthy 💀😂 https://t.co/rDeLHON30w pic.twitter.com/LNIWLwu817

— Richy (@richy_gunerr) January 15, 2026

Zubi sent Fofana for a hotdog 🌭 pic.twitter.com/FPiM6nyPFJ

— Av (@aviv_lavi) January 15, 2026

Zubi sent Fofana for a hotdog 🌭 pic.twitter.com/FPiM6nyPFJ

— Av (@aviv_lavi) January 15, 2026

BlueRayDick:
If Raya had started ahead of Kepa, I am confident he would've come out to deal with those crosses that led to Chelsea's two goals. Kepa is just not convincing when it comes to commanding his aerial domain even though he's a decent shot stopper.

Zubimendi played really well yesterday; he was pressing Chelsea relentlessly and won ball in dangerous areas. On top of that, he scored a nice goal. I really like how he has helped our midfield since the departure of Partey; one thing I admire about him is the fact that he doesn't shy away from being involved in attacking play.

mostob:
The way Martinelli jumped... 🤣🤣🤣🤣

The two clips you posted were just normal to Arsenal fans.

Chelsea fans have been parading that Estevao vs Timber clips.

mostob:
Zubimendi is good. It's fans who still watch him through Partey's frame that wouldn't appreciate him. One thing I noticed about him is his intelligence and the fact that he understood the tactics perfectly. Twice yesterday, we're able to beat the press but guess who was at the final third... Zubimendi. I con dey ask myself what's Zubi doing there? 🤣

The best video you will watch today.

Declan Rice is the best. 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/H8PCKLhHOK

— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) January 15, 2026

BlueRayDick:
They deserve to be hapoy too once in a while

Fkforyou:
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.

Roland17:
Great observations. I believe 2 truths can mutually exist.

Does Gykores have a lot to learn or do better?
Yes. I believe the summer preseason will help in addressing a lot these issues because we are still playing like we don't have a CF.

Did Saka nearly screw that chance?
A big yes! Saka needed to cross the ball immediately he got the angle after beating his man the first time. There was no need to keep dancing and messing up Gyokores run. You could see his frustration after he scored when he kicked the ball a second time into the net. I not only thank White but Sanchez as well for flopping the catch, otherwise, that chance would have been gone.

We also need to improve our attacks inside the box. Everything seems to be hanging around the edge of the box.

Gyökeres could do a better job of telling his teammates he’s unhappy after not receiving a pass.

That’s part of being a mental giant.

Haaland, for example, has an aura which exudes presence. So does Cristiano.

The best #9’s demand to be found.pic.twitter.com/TsHwP9JJI8

— EBL (@EBL2017) January 15, 2026

iamoyindamola:
Thank you, this have been going for long abd its not only saka but our midfielders and wingers, immediately gyokeres made the move Merino released him, there are several situations like this and our players romance the ball till opponents choke gyokeres or he drag them out of position to open space for others

Playing with purpose. pic.twitter.com/fAGeOxMEeH

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 15, 2026

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.

Roland17:
Great observations. I believe 2 truths can mutually exist.

Does Gykores have a lot to learn or do better?
Yes. I believe the summer preseason will help in addressing a lot these issues because we are still playing like we don't have a CF.

Did Saka nearly screw that chance?
A big yes! Saka needed to cross the ball immediately he got the angle after beating his man the first time. There was no need to keep dancing and messing up Gyokores run. You could see his frustration after he scored when he kicked the ball a second time into the net. I not only thank White but Sanchez as well for flopping the catch, otherwise, that chance would have been gone.

We also need to improve our attacks inside the box. Everything seems to be hanging around the edge of the box.

Fkforyou:
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.

mostob:
Guehi off to City... Incredible

BlueRayDick:
They are the ones who actually need him,can match his salary demands and can guarantee him starting place in their first eleven due to their current injury woes.

mostob:
That's not even my perspective. Your rival making signings like Guehi and Semenyo in January is just scary. Even without these two signings, they're already strong. Fingers crossed.

mostob:
That's not even my perspective. Your rival making signings like Guehi and Semenyo in January is just scary. Even without these two signings, they're already strong. Fingers crossed.

Fkforyou:
They will still drop points irrespective of signings made.

We have better Momentum than them right now.

We just have to keep winning our games.

Fkforyou:
Come I don’t get why some Arsenal Fans are having a meltdown because of Man City’s transfer? I just don’t get it. I don’t understand how it will stop us from competing for the league? As long as we keep winning our games, if them like make them buy Mbappe join.