Martinelli looked good for Brazil. I can't remember who but some pundit saying he shouldn't have gotten a call up for them. I had mixed feelings. I was happy for him and thought he deserved to at least make the squad but I also feared injury or tired legs as well. Always a mixed bag of feelings when your player goes to the national team during the season be it friendlies or whatever.

I am hoping we make a good account of ourselves against Holland. Can't see us getting a win but if it can happen this world cup is definitely one where upsets have almost become the norm. If we can't win, then at least push them to extra time. Is a PK shootout the last decider? I just don't want a 3-0 or 4-0 game where we look like we don't belong.

Surprised to see Oz make it this far frankly. I won't say more than that.

Sunday will be interesting. Senegal are a lively team, so hoping for a bit of end to end football. I like France. I always cheer for them.

Its not vintage Holland at all, so I quite fancy the USA.

Mind you, the knockout format might produce less upsets. Who knows?

Jesus has a knee injury keeping him out for 3-4 weeks meaning his World Cup is over. May be a doubt for our first games back

Hello all.

Just a quick thank you to everyone for the PM's as well as messages on here. They are all truly appreciated.

I'd created a memorial video and collage of pictures which was suggested I post these last few things on here.

It's been a very hard time over the past few months. She passed away 4 weeks ago today.

Take care Rog

Lovely video and collage Rog. Wishing you all the strength you will need at this difficult time. Take care of yourself mate.

Beautifully done, best wishes in this difficult time.

The party ends for America but we made a good account of ourselves in the competition. Not expecting any great comeback.

Beautiful video Rog.

Thanks - It was played at the funeral.

Australia playing in a few hours. Have to see how they go.

Cheers DHD. I was wondering about that Jan. date anyway. Wasn't even noted on the AFC calendar even. Anything to suit an MNF TV kickoff.

Nice one, Rog. Beautiful.

I am talking about across the whole comp. I was actually at the 1982 WC and saw the Argentina, Brazil, Italy group plus semis and final. But across that World Cup there was a lot of dross and not a lot of exciting games beyond Brazil. Other times there is usually a couple of good teams but few exciting groups of games. But this World Cup every group had something and most went to the wire.

Our World Cup ended today but to be still in with a chance at the end made it worthwhile.

I agree it has been a very enjoyable world cup so far with lots of tension, drama, comebacks and upsets by teams not expected to get results. Each fan base has been good at creating some atmosphere in the grounds as well.

I don't think 2023 can be compared with the game of the 70s which are completely different for pace, skill and fitness.

Jesus out for at least three months. Absolutely *%^@*** typical.

Link

We gave them a brief scare at 2-1, so I'm happy for that.

F..ing boll…cks

https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/ ... source=nba

And no response from his critic, Neto

you have a crystal ball and all (2023 )

bollocks
Arteta must now secure a striker in Jan
Can't rely solely on Nketiah

If this does lead to a drop off in results one of the annoying things will be rival fans saying ‘I told you you wouldn’t keep up those results’ yeah when you lose one of your most important players that’s going to happen. The revisionism is going to be so loud.

I’m not convinced the club will buy another striker, they invested a lot in Nketiah and I think the target for this window was a wide man and the club may see Martinelli has a No.9 option especially if they get the wide man.

Safe to say that the worst 3 players to pick up an injury for us were Jesus, Partey and Saka

What a lovely tribute Rog.

Sign a winger and play martinelli up top. Nketiah has been so average so far this season I just wouldn’t trust the drop off.

It’s so so typical. We can’t catch a break can we

Hi mate,

What a beautiful and perfect tribute.

Add Martinelli to that list. His decision-making in the Cameroon game was top-notch. Much more low-key than the flashy Anthony, but vastly more effective. Brazil's XG was 3.14 and I bet almost all of those where either Martinelli's chances or chances he set up. It is also notable that he was effective up and down the pitch, and for the full game.

Saka, Martinelli, and Jesus are such intelligent players and add so much to the team, beyond their individual skill-sets. Where are we going to find another forward (whether a winger or striker) who can match that?

Absolutely. A very touching tribute.

He won’t sign a striker.

Can you see the club spending 50 million quid on a new striker for 3 months then gabby returns and balogun comes back in the summer. I can’t

Nketiah will have to deliver and if it isn’t working you will see some false 9 experiments with Emile Smith Rowe and martinelli being tried there probably

Highlights what Bernard said earlier this season that our striking options are way too weak.

Unless he wants to get a ''proper" centre forward. I don't see it (although Pep going down that road is interesting) and I agree it is far more likely that we'll see another in the winger who can play in the centre type.

And I'm not sure about Martinelli up front. It might work, but a) he's fine where he is and b) its a big responsibility and the consequences of failure are significant.

Thanks all.

I'll try not to post any more doom and gloom. Just feeling a bit lost now.

Australia out of the Cup and Jesus injured. What next ?

There’s a bloke at the World Cup called Giroud. He looks quite good. He certainly seems to know where the goal is.

Giroud just made French football history
Good for him

And I should imagine that he would always be welcomed back if he ever visits Arsenal. A really nice bloke with no hint of a problem. Superb team player.

How about re signing him in January?

Saw a Mbapee Martinelli swap mentioned on Facebook last week. Would be great for us if we can include a buy back.

Martinelli's place secured with a deal allegedly already done for Mikayl Mudryk.

Def icing on the cake.

I met Ray Parlour today. He was part of another Arsenal leisure wear promotion which was held in London's glittering west end. He seemed like a really nice bloke. He was meeting and greeting everyone with enthusiasm and made them feel totally at ease. The clothes were decent too, very retro styling from the early 90's.

That’s bananas

Giroud in Jan is actually a great shout if there’s a chance. Quick runners around him and central midfielders willing to go beyond him which is crucial for his game.

I think that his transfer price may well be on the upward curve this tournament.