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.

If we have any chance of getting/trying for Bellingham I’d break the bank for him.
I recall waxing lyrical about him in a debate with Bernard in Bellingham v Rice. Wish he was still with us to see what he thinks of Bellinghams World Cup.

Marcus Thuram is on a free in the summer and can play wide, could be cut price in Jan.

So is Saka’s come to think of it. 3 goals now, and a superb performance.

He would have enjoyed Rice's performance too. They are an excellent and well matched pair.

England do look very good. The one flaw is that their buildup looks very laborious against teams that are defending resolutely.

England France will be a fascinating game. I just hope it doesn't bog down to one of those typical European games where both teams are too scared to have a go.

But as a neutral I think England have a better attack than France, but only just. I think Mbappe is better than any English player but Saka could be at that level by next WC. It may however come down to the defense and England haven't been really tested yet. Just not sure when the pressure comes, England will be defensively cohesive enough.

Especially if they have to chase. Imagine Mbappe running at Mcguire.

Lol yes out of context it sounds a bit silly. You missed the earlier comment where it was being claimed that somehow the stars of the 70s were a level above the quality seen today. A little ludicrous if you ask me.

Good win for Southgate's team - the four games played so far have been against sides ranked in the top 20 by FIFA. The next one is a seriously tough challenge, but France will take it lightly at their peril. I must admit to thinking there was too much hype over Bellingham, but he does look some player at such a young age.

Rice indeed was also excellent. He has more responsibility to get forward for West Ham and is more than capable of doing so but him sitting deeper and allowing Bellingham to roam has a very good balance

We have an option to recall Balogun as well in january

Saka talking really well at the presser today - fair play he’s answering questions in an intelligent manner.
Well impressive young man.

Just my guess but I don't think Arteta sees him as ready to lead the line. If he's called up its off the bench. He might by an experienced striker (over 30) to fill in the gap till Jesus is ready.

Great performance by England last night.

Absolutely stupendous performance by the other England in Pakistan over the past 5 days. This morning with about 10 minutes to spare, they won an unwinnable Test Match through skill, persistence and rabid positivity - oh, and genius captaincy. It's rare to be cheered off the pitch by the ultra partisan fans of the team you've just beaten.

Ooo er. Horrible moment for Tomiyasu just now. Lucky to get away with it.

Well S.Korea won that second half, so morally that’s a draw, nothing to fear here from this brazil team …

Brazil look good but France are my tip for the tournament. I can’t really see anyone beating them

Hope we recall him
We need more reliable players available to us

He was pushed, ever so slightly, by the Croatian player. And because of his stance at that time, he got off balance and failed to connect squarely with the ball.

That did look like vintage Brazil ... quite a far cry from the 2014 dross. But I'm still not completely convinced. It was made a bit too easy for them by whoever it was who was supposed to be marking Vinicius and by the ref awarding such as soft penalty. Crazy game after that. It could have 8-4!

Yes, so much to admire in that game, not least Jimmy Anderson - what a wonderful bowler!

Thought the Brazilian dancing was pretty nauseating. Hope somebody beats them.

It wasn’t just me then ! Don’t get me started !

I found likewise. You are the most successful World Cup team ever and you are over celebrating like mad whilst you are pounding a plucky emerging country who has played with great heart in the tournament.

Neymar doing a crying celebration when he scored.

I mean the over celebrating for the paqueta goal was absurd. Even after about 4 minutes of dancing and you thought they stopped he fell to his knees and prayed skywards and you just thought “give me a break” then when you saw their manager dancing I just thought right I hope they absolutely get pounded by Mbappe in the final

I'm sure the old timers can name all 7. I would not have recognized them by look but all have very recognizable names.

This is mad! Couldn't happen today without massive multi game suspensions, huge amounts paid as a fine.

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