₦airaland Forum

Jodera:
My Priority signings

A quality CM and DM(23/24-26) —playing consistently in a top league

A very good quality Striker (24-26)

A quality winger (look for way to sell or loan Pepe)

Summary
2 Midfielders: CM and DM
A quality winger
A quality striker

This was what I posted now, I probably only added one LB because I want to replace Tavares. But you took it like I only wanted defenders.

johnjunior39:
Defender, What Trusty is for what?

I didn't know much about Trusty, but I checked him up and saw we even signed him in Jan. He is on loan and may probably remain there till he grows up like Saliba. Well I don't know much of him and can't rate him. And for your information, he is a CB not FB.

kodded:
a midfield combo of Tielemans, xhaka and odeggard is very very weak. Infact teams will be looking forward to play against such a weak midfield everyday

Are you sure?

iamoyindamola:
Lmao how is he partey backup

He is a midfielder and Partey is a midfielder

johnjunior39:
Next season again, we will find another reason to buy another defender again. Hickey is not enough lol.

Abeg make una rest biko

Tavares may go on loan. He needs to grow

Roland17:
I would rather we get 2 midfielders instead of 2 defenders. If we get Hicky, that means we have 3 LBs (Tierney/ Tavarez/ Hicky), what do we need 3 LBs for? not adding Cedric sef who can play LB..We have invested/ wasted a lot of money on defenders over the last 3 seasons. That midfield needs quality and depth which is what we lack. Our priority should be getting 2 quality midfielders and a very good striker.

For those of you who don't know, Hicky is nothing but a mini Tierney but worse on the defensive end. I watched him severally this past season when my Milan side played Bologna and he did not impress me to be honest and that is why I have not discussed him because I don't understand why we are going for him. More so, while he is a LB who can also play RB, Hickey played as a LWB in a 3-man defense which is different from what we do.

There is a reason Arteta wants to sign another backup for Tierney and it's because he can no longer trust Tavares going into next season. This is also my reason. However I prefer we get Zinchenko. I am not attracted to the prospect of Hickey.

I accept 2 quality midfielders should be ideal. I can't see Xhaka giving us the level of performance he gave this season. Same to Elneny. They should be there for their experience and nurturing the young bloods.

kodded:
no partey backup?

Tielemans

Arsenal squad for last season...

Goal- Ramsdale, Leno

Defense- White, Gabriel, Tomiyasu, Cedric, Tierney, Tavares, Holding

Midfield- Xhaka, Partey, Lokonga, Elneny, Odegaard

Attack- Saka, ESR, Martinelli, Lacazette, Nketiah, Pepe,

Leaving - Leno, Lacazette, Pepe

Coming - Goalkeeper (1), Defender (2) Midfielder (1), Attacker (2)

We need a goalkeeper who will be willing to be backup as well as able to challenge for No1

We need two defenders, a CB and a LB as Tavares is unreliable

We need a midfielder who can cover both pivots

We need two Attackers, one who can play either wings, and a true CF


My suggestions

Goalkeeper - Turner (Signed)
Defence - Saliba (returned), Zinchenko
Midfielder - Tielemans
Attack - Jesus/Gnabry, Nunez/Osimhen

Attend only the church service. For record purposes. Do not spend more than 1hr there .

mrrandomguy:
Dear Southerners,

1. They have cancelled all of them in PDP.
2. They will cancel Tinubu And Osinbajo in APC.
3. They are on Peter Obi's matter.
4. The south wanted presidency, unfortunately they put all their eggs in one basket.
5.They should have copied Kwankwaso's tactics.
6. To all southerners, the north is your political lord and master. Bow now and submit!
7. Alternatively, fight for independence!

Signed
MrRandomGuy

The most painful part is that our people are blind to these facts. Especially the leaders.

Go and read about the Greeks and the people of Troy. Wrong move. Fulani has an agenda, dancing with them is dancing with your life. Self awareness is key to survival. Soon it will be the Eze Onitsha visiting the Fulani governor of Anambra.

I hope Osinbajo is selected for APC.

But our desired person for President is Peter Obi.

Simple.

Emeka Ihedioha will vote for Peter Obi

Buhari: I am here to end corruption in Nigeria

Rochas: Corruption must stop in our time

APC and Corruption

Jodera:
Imagine, Partey no dey this list? Partey deserves to be here.
O wrong now..

Anyways, like I said it's arguable and if Saka wins it, he deserves it very well. But mehn, I don't know who deserves that runner-up (if there's is) aside Partey Tbh.

You are mixing talent with performance. A player can be the most talented not necessarily the best performer. Partey was the engine when he was fit, but overall Saka performed better as he was more integral to the club's success. Injuries ruined Partey's chances.

mostob:
As a midfielder

No

mostob:
Joe Aribo or Zinchenko for Midfield?

Zinchenko is better as LB

Galaxyowerri:
You think politics is about wishful thinking and thoughtless emotions? Peter Obi's support cuts across all Nigerians that want a radical improvement to the shameful situation on ground, his candidature is not an Igbo mandate. In fact, the more he makes it less so, the better for him.

Peter Obi did the right thing by leaving PDP and it would help his reputation in the long run. However, he has no chance of winning in 2023, it's just not possible. His target should be either 2027 or 2031.

Peter Obi may come third in next year's election and it won't be a bad result for him considering he is using a relatively unknown party.

Politics is not for people that can't reason beyond emotions.

Igbo or nothing. We are not slaves. Igbo bu eze. If an Igbo man cannot become president of Nigeria then Nigeria does not exist.

That blood of dogs and babboons they spoke of in 2015 will happen in 2023. It have stated already.

See how Tambuwal backed Atiku as a master stroke to win the primaries. Wike should have done the same for Peter Obi. It is not late though. A simple defection will appease the gods on his behalf.

EmilolaOla:
The North are in control and at the driving seat of APC.
The Northern political elites intentionally delayed the convention of APC so that they can use the outcome of PDP primary to determine their next move. They don't have any set rule that is immutable to change. The Norrth don't even play by rules, but by their own rule. Zoning and equity is bullcrap if it doesn't favour them.
.....
I know the southern politicains are quite credulous, living in denial, as they fail to understand the politics of the North. The North is never divided against itself.
.
I wrote sometimes last week that the North do not compromise their political tactics which is brotherhood and religion, and party doesn't matter as long as the politics of ethnicity and religion is effectuated, which ensures their imperative.
.
To the Southerners let me tell you all, since you refuse to be sensible and tactical, since you don't believe in your existential survival, despite outright injustice and tightfisted hold by the northerners on your neck, you still don't understand your Northern brother, let me tell you, if u all think Osinbajo Or Tinubu will emerge, you will be so deluded!

You see, the game is all too obvious, Northern hegemony is not a myth or theory, that's what we are witnessing in broad day light but many of u love big English.
.
The British government definitely want the north to be at the driving seat, and the northern elite are playing by this rule, while the Southern people are sleeping and thinking power will just stroll to their door and be given freely by the north
.
Tambuwal stepped down for Atiku...lol...Is that not clear? Wike attacked Obi, his southern brother, till he left PDP.
Atiku never for once attacked Buhari for over 8years, and never was he outright against Bokoharam in the north.. What does that tell you?
At the end of the day Buhari will prefer and rather support ATIKU than SUPPORT any southerner who may emerge in APC. Not even party affiliations will make the north support southerners.

And finally: APC is planning to give their mandate to either Jonathan or any dark horse Northern candidate. You hear it right.
.
The southern politicians just played themselves. Maybe by 2060, they will understand the Northern politics.

The reason for going for Jonathan or a Northern candidate will be captured in another post: it's basically to make the north have reasons and only choice of voting for the emergence of a Northern candidate in Atiku, Or any Northerner who might be picked, jeopardizing the chance of a southern candidate getting vote from the North.
And if Jonathan is picked by APC, the party will scatter, lol, and Jonathans candidacy won't amount to nothing and the north still carry the day, in ATIKU, a win for them
.
The best bet now is for the South to unite and form a new strong force around a unifying candidate. The chocie of that Candidate will be subject to debate cos the south is eternally divided. But for me....my loyalty is to PETER OBI- the best man to give Nigerians a fighting chance of ever getting it right. I remain idealistic for a paradigm shift. I don't care about politics of status-quo that brought us here.
There's nothing wrong if the South work for Peter Obi, I know they will rather not. And I understand.

There's nothing to add. The South are in Siddon dey look mode while the North have a working plan. It happened in 2015 under GEJ when the likes of Tambuwal defected to weaken Jonathan's position. The same Tambuwal has played the same game to make sure the South loses again. They are playing the cards of instructions given by their forefather Usman Dan Fodio,

Jodera:
it's simple. When Lokonga was given the opportunity for a lone DM in crucial stage of the season, what was his influence and achievements? At least I can point to Tavarez own. If you can't, then it means Lokonga didn't have any. I don't understand how that is pointing fingers at you.

What is speculative? Is it not something that happened? When Lokonga was our lone DM/partner with Xhaka we lost back to back against midtable teams who were in bad form. When Tavarez played against top teams in Top10, we won 3/3 with the absence of Lokonga. It's fact!

It seems your Lokonga achievements in this team dey like ghost. We no dey see am

Ok make I dash you this one make e nor be like say I dey stingy.

Jodera:
Lokonga being slow and light which affected his decision making is the reason why he was rated poorly. Whether he'll thrive and improve well from next season (which is our prayer) is another discussion entirely.

If they were to drop Lokonga and Tavarez and ask who I should send on loan and who I should keep, my answer will be simple. Loan Lokonga.

A good coach will maximize Tavarez strength in dire situation. For lokonga if he doesn't improve no hope especially as his position Is very very sensitive. If Tierney and Tomiyasu played against Chelsea and Man u with lokonga playing as a lone DM, we go lose that match. But Arsenal without those two first choice fullbacks and without Lokonga in midfield, we won those two. And that's exactly what Arteta did

Your first paragraph makes the same error you accused me off in your previous response, that you used 'good' metrics (metrics are neither good nor bad) to rate. It's funny how we point a finger at someone not realising we are pointing four at ourselves.

Your second and third paragraphs are speculative at best.

I mentioned what happened not what will happen.

You know what, help get a player rating in any match both featured let's check something. If Tavares is rated higher by any website, I will concede. Deal?

Lush100:
.
Bro, I wasn't saying he wasn't good,
I was staying their playing attributes which is very correct.
I even said if he adds this to his game, he will be on starting eleven.
Read my perspective better sir

Sorry for misunderstanding your points.

I have read that we are signing Morata. How's that to you?

For me, it's not the type of marquee signing that we need.

Jodera:
I'm a known supporter of Lacazette but I'll disagree with your point about Nketiah.
Yes, While I wholly agree that Nketiah might not see the shirt if not for Laca goal drought and off-form but Nketiah showed that he's indeed more than a goal poacher.

For one, our structure changed due to Partey's injury which limited the amount of dominance with might have against opposition. Nketiah still pressed from the front and he still held up the ball well. In fact, Nketiah did everything that Laca was doing excellently as well as chipping in goals. Aside his runs which Laca obviously lacks, he can fashion out chances on his own when Midfield Is under pressure. Lacazette doesn't try that and worst of it all is that he's not even putting effort to try. I believe he'll even do better when Partey returns cos we'll be more dominant which will even increase his effectiveness and overall play upfront

Lokonga is just too small in game. Anytime he starts, notice how our Midfield becomes expressway to defence. Notice how he takes time to pass and release ball most times killing our attack. Aside being tidy(that's not losing the ball carelessly nor giving wrong side way passes), I don't see any attributes Lokonga have to be making him start or even become a worthy deputy for Partey or Xhaka. Maybe he can bring more next season, but this season is a write off for him.

As for Tavarez, the talent is there. For all the for all his flaws, we can see his very good attacking-wise. This is someone who guys here was thinking of upsurping Tierney due to the variety he brings to the game as a fullback. If his defensive game and positioning can be worked on, he'll become a very good FB. And all these things can be done since he's still very young. Another thing Is confidence. He seems to me like a player who loses confidence when not played for a very long time. With more game time next season, I believe we'll see more of Tavarez good display

Coyg!!!

Lokonga has the talents to thrive in midfield like Partey. But he lacks the pace and fitness. He was too slow and light and that affected his decision making and man marking. Unlike Partey.

As for Tavares, he has the pace to go forward, but his ball sense is too poor and he over does things like trying to take on a man thereby losing the ball at a dangerous area. He is Ok may be for smaller teams but definitely shouldn't be sitting on our bench as a backup. I don't thing he was even a first team player in his former club before joining us because I dont see any sign of it.

Lokonga and Tavares were both terrible. But I have more hope for Lokonga than Tavares. As for Pepe, his profile is too big to be a bench warmer. This should earn him a slap alongside his report card. I am sure he will be sold.

Jodera:
You'll see how Spy will not answer the bolded, instead he'll start showing you flaws of Tavarez game as if we were oblivious of his flaws before

Spy arguments for this case dey like those buhari fanatics. Bring proof why buhari should be voted for 2nd term with his achievements from the first term, but no! Instead, they'll tell you why other candidates are bad and how PDP destroyed Nigeria, while keeping mute on his achievements that he has done(if any). Then they'll tell us to vote for him that we'll see his best the 2nd term

Why you dey fall for that trap?

Are we not discussing the worst players in the squad? Hence shouldn't it be how bad they were? If there were any achievements from those three, they won't be in the discussion.

I learnt my logic and reasoning for philosophy 101 very well.

Jodera:
Lol... For which season?? Why you dey do like this Spy? When this wan happen?
At least name one initial gra gra from Lokonga or his impact in the team this past season? Just one.

As for the 2nd bolded... You suppose put am for your CV cos e be like say e don become one.

Lush100:
The thing with laca and nketiah is just unfortunate.

Arsenal was having team playing bonding with laca as be had understanding with saka,Esr and martinelli or saka, odegard, and martinelli.
Which enabled us to play well against the defense of our opposition,
The issue however was that when laca himself was presented with goal scoring opportunities, he didn't take them.
Nketiah on the other hand is a goal poacher, like an opportunity taker like Richarlson.
His team play is very minute.
If u look at our last 8 games,
It was more of us playing against the opposition for an opportunity to present himself.
The team playing especially in the attacking third was not very good.
Nketiah cannot play with his back to goal very well.
He is more of a player to create chance for himself or to score one when opportunity presents one.
Had laca being burying his chances, nketiah would not have had the playing chance as he had.
Nketiah should learn how to team play with the other attacker.of saka, martinelli, odegard.
( A flowing attack not halting the speed of the transition. Look at what laca did for saka to score against watford). Nketiah will be on the first XI if he adds that to his came.
Lokonga did nothing to justify his play.
He should be loaned or learn a little rugby to improve his stamina.
Tavares is inexperienced.
Be should know when to play safe and know when to venture

Jodera
Spy360
Blueraydick

Nketiah is not a finished product yet, but if he was all that you mentioned here, then he would not be getting an extension contract of 5years to earn 100k a week.

He would be joining Luton town.

Dude scored 5goals in 8games, guy I am laughing typing this honestly. Chill for Nketiah matter abeg.

Jodera:
Lol... Make I no lie you, e reach to boga you oo.

But like I said earlier, you're already strong-headed on your opinion on Tavarez without looking at his case fairly while not bringing anything up for Lokonga, so no need dragging this any further.

And as for Smith Rowe/ Pepe comparison, I wasn't petty. It's because Pepe is so useless that's why ESR(a Midfielder) was even considered as a left winger beginning of this season even when Martinelli was injured/unavailable. If Pepe was half as good as Saka or Martinelli, Saka would have switched wing to left wing. Saka has shown on numerous occasions that he's comfortable on the left as well as the right wing. Na just the poor quality of Pepe that made Arteta improvise to using ESR on the wings when Martinelli wasn't available.

Pepe plays on the RW where Saka operates. Whenever Saka was not available Pepe had always been called upon. If Elneny was not available, we call Lokonga. When Tierney was not available, we called Xhaka. It was when it began to affect the midfield that Arteta had to make do with Tavares. There was a game he was even subbed before halftime. I can't remember the game (I don't remember rubbish) you can help me.

Please boga me as you like, but see the angle I am coming from. We are discussing bad performances not good ones.

BlueRayDick:
You have not said anything . Did Lokonga play well when he was given the chance to play CM? No ! The coach had to go back to a forgotten Elneny to get us finish within Europa league spot, it could’ve been worse.

Tavares on the other hand had some good spells and the bad ones as well; he even scored a goal in the process . This clear as day.

You are only letting ur personal preference for Lokonga becloud ur sense of judgement in this case. We are talking of why happened this past season, but somehow u are premising ur argument on what Lokonga might become and then u will turn back and say “ I told u so”

Are you Ok? Because if you are you will understand that we are talking about the worst of the worst.

If you can't keep things into perspective, just read and pass.

BlueRayDick:
Spy360 Abeg rest ! Any arsenal fan who watched arsenal matches this season will tell u they prefer Tavares starting in LB to Lokonga starting in CM. Tavares May not be the ideal product we are looking for just yet, but he still had more impact than Lokonga this season.

Lokonga as of today has not done anything to endear any fan to him. His time will surely come, but for now he should sit this one out. I know u have a personal preference for him; just like u had preference for Giroud but he still has to prove himself on the pitch for some of us to even see the market he dey sell.

Tavares played and made some errors by so did he put in some good performances too.

I respect that it's your opinion but you're not putting things into context. It's like asking having Tavares on LB and Pepe on RW. If I have Saka, why would I prefer Pepe on RW? We were lucky to have Elneny peak at the right time and so would prefer him to Lokonga in CM.

But in terms of quality of play and team balance, Lokonga made more contributions than Tavares. The LB only played more often because other options like playing Xhaka or Tomi will after the team structure but Arteta never trusted that guy. He was full of errors- passing, tackling, composure, positioning nnah how Una nor see all these things?

You know what? LB us one position Arteta will definitely change this season and don't be surprised if Tavares is sold off or loaned away.

When I was saying since February that Nketiah was better than Lacazette in terms of team needs and balance, you guys laughed me off. That's until it became glaring. This is the same thing that will happen.

Jodera:
Lol... No other player was put in that condition yet ESR(a Midfielder) is playing wing when Pepe is always available and fit. I see

Tavarez ought to be the lowest rated yet he has only one error leading to goals which is against Liverpool in the first leg. He's also instrumental in our wins against big teams we won yet you accuse him of being a weakness against big teams.
So Lokonga that his introduction was one of the reasons we lost top4 is better than Tavarez whose contribution brought us back into the contention again. Wonderful!!

You know what, you didn't bring any fact or proof that Lokonga and Pepe was better than him this season. You've already made your mind up that he's the worst without even looking at his case fairly. In fact, you brought out all his wrong doings which was very little to our results compared to the good works he did(which you kept mute) just to nail him.

Since that's your opinion about him, no yawa. You personally like Sambi over him which I noticed that's why you use a different stick for lokonga even though he was NEVER impactful In any game. Reason why you always grade Lokonga display when we're either winning or losing with a high score before his introduction. When game is even and Lokonga is there, we no dey ever see him impact. See how you're talking about Lokonga against Everton when we're already winning 4-1 before his introduction. Same way you hyped him when were losing 3-0 before his introduction against crystal palace. When he started the next two games after that, I no see your praise again . And that's just only 2 of numerous examples.

Anyhow sha, make we just switch talk to something better. But please just try to be fair with our Tavarez even though you might not like him.

I never said Lokonga was phenomenal. We are talking about the three worst performers this season. All three had flaws and all three made little contributions. But for me Tavares sits at the bottom.

I used a simple yardstick and you are dancing boga for me. How many players were dumped for someone who doesn't play their wing this season? The only person is Tavares. This yardstick is enough to know who was worst.

Lokonga wasn't good enough but he was never dropped for someone not a midfielder. If Elneny had not picked form, it would still be Lokonga playing that CM. Same goes to Pepe. Your claim that ESR was used is petty. ESR plays on the left he has no business with Pepe who plays on the right. ESR competes with Martinelli ON THE RIGHT WING. The mere fact that Tavares was dropped for Xhaka and Tomiyasu, on two different occasions at the risk of midfield and defense respectively is enough that he was the worst player irrespective of his little contributions. This your boga challenge who scale o.

ObaIgwe1:
Did a small study on this Hickey guy...

* 19-year-old from Scotland same as Tierney, so can easily be mentored by Tierney
* Plays Attack minded Left back, first-team regular for Bologna this last season, with 5 goals to his credit
* He is two-footed and can operate on either flank

If really good, can displace Tavares and be a better backup for Tierney and maybe for Tomi too.

[Ab]But I am more interested in the CF we are getting 1st[/b]

It should be the season defining signing for us. It should be marquee too.

I don't like the prospect of two nationals in one wing o. Their village people might get involved.