Mails: Arsenal have enticed us back in again…

Mails: Arsenal have enticed us back in again…

What a weekend’s football. And that brings us a great Monday mailbox. Send your thoughts to theeditor@football365.com

Football and Arsenal have pulled them back in again…
This is the problem with football. Just when you’ve really had enough of the players, the manager, the results and you’re happy to see the back of the season, something happens that reels you back in and, as Daniel Storey would say, proves that ‘football’s better than 95% of life put together’.

I had horrible feelings about today, given the way we’ve played lately and the change of system which, though change was needed, conceded far too many opportunities to Middlesbrough last week.

The best change of all was though was in the attitude of the players. We’ve put in some real crap displays lately, lacking passion, fight and even a basic level of skill. Palace away was truly the lowest point. But today there was a want and will to win that we’ve not seen for months – every single player fought when needed.

Big props have to go to Holding and Gabriel, who were both superb at the back. Gabriel is someone who I just cannot trust, but defended today like his life depended on it – he blocked, tackled and importantly stood up/didn’t dive in Mustafi style. Holding was a measure of composure, and I’m really excited about his future. I for one can’t wait for him to be completely destroyed by the press over the next few years.

As for Wenger, fair play. I do not think he should stay – I actually think beating Chelsea is the perfect/dream way to go and I could not be more happy for him if he pulls it off. But today shouldn’t be about the future – despite most places (not F365) – trying to make it exactly that. It should just be about the game, the win and for the first time in a while, the happiness.

This is the problem with football, and I already can’t wait for the frustrating draw with Leicester in midweek.

Bring it on. Up the Gunners.
Joe, AFC, East Sussex

…When I first looked at the teamsheet I thought, after the poor defending against ‘Boro, we were heading for disaster!

However, although Man C had all the game in the first half, they didn’t capitalise on anything (they were stereotype Arsenal!).

Arsenal defended in a very disaplined manner, looking after each other with heart and soul!

Man C fans were moaning on BBC about Arsenal’s hard tackling. Christ! We get criticised for being bullied…never do that…We bullied City…and they shat themselves!

As I always say, I’m no AKB or WOB but the game I watched today says that Wenger has not lost the dressing room whatever Stewie thinks!
Chris, Croydon

Some Arsenal conclusions
* That’s what the doctor ordered. One of our best performances of the season, which says more about our season than anything else, but good stuff.

* The back five completely changes the mentality of the whole team see. The midfielders start looking for the gaps and fill them. We finally had two banks of defenders, forcing City out wide which mostly stunted their attack. More please.

* Holding and Gabriel were immense. Having Kosc in the middle marshalling must help and Holding looks like a fantastic defender and should have started more. Gabriel looked very solid too as with two extra men, he’s less prone to mistakes. I think Kosc, Mustafi and Holding would be our core all fit.

* Giroud doesn’t suit wing backs. He did his part admirably, held up the ball, tried to link play. But a back five needs runners as the wing-backs try to stretch the defence. You could see why when Welbeck came on and we started getting the ball into the hole behind the full backs for his pace to pick up. Still a great super sub

* Ramsey and Sanchez have a hero complex. Fortunately for Sanchez, he’s a phenomenal footballer. Ramsey needs to get his head down and go back to basics. His best season with us was building attacks with simple concise passing and then finishing it off. Not trying to dribble past three City players…

* Cech had a 50/50 game. Should have nicked the ball of Aguero, then makes a wonder save. He’s dropped a long way below Lloris, Courtois and De Gea.

* Goalline technology doesn’t exist. Ref made a fair choice in his position. It happens. The end.

* Silva coming off was the difference. City lost their transition to attack and I am fairly sure it would have been a very different game.

* Lastly, the Ox. It’s the perfect position for him, he can use his pace to get forward and dribble and if he loses it he can get back before damage is done. He’s also fairly switched on defensively. And that cross was sexy, I made the same noises as I did for Eriksen’s on Saturday. However, Bellerin I feel could offer very similar in his position. This means we don’t need a new RB in the summer. Winner. Who starts, I do not know…

* Second half was great, end to end football. I feel like we can win the Cup, but if Wenger wins, he stays which I’m not sure about. But I’m an Arsenal fan first and foremost and a third FA Cup in a few years is fine by me.
Rob A (a nice draw on Thursday please Manchester) AFC

…- Nacho saves Arsenal’s chips. I make no apologies. I’ve been waiting to use that one since he joined.

– The Ox was going past City players like they weren’t there and our biggest danger all game. Whilst everyone has agrees he look good at wing-back, I still think his best position is central. He doesn’t get enough of the ball at wing back and we need him to have more of the ball when he plays like that.

– One of the reasons I think the above is that Xhaka and Ramsay are still not convincing in the middle. It’s almost as though we have changed formation to make up for their deficiencies. The Ox and Elneny would make a better combo in my opinion and then Bellerin can play in his natural wing-back position.

– Whilst I agree with most of the planet that Arsenal need a change of management at the end of the season, I was still delighted to see Wenger with a big smile on his face at the end of the match after months of having to deal with some terrible press. I bear him no ill as he has been amazing for the club. If he is no longer able to do his job, it’s down to the board to sack him.

– I couldn’t believe how well Gabriel played. He has been excellent since he came back into the team and I just hope he doesn’t lose his place when Mustafi is fit again.

– On a non-Arsenal point, the Coutinho non-penalty is why players dive. Referees can no longer complain that it’s hard to do their job when players are trying to deceive them. If they don’t know how to play advantage (which they clearly don’t), then players will have to go down at the slightest contact. I mean he was looking directly at it. Ridiculous.
Adonis (Yes, I only wrote this whole letter because of the pun) Stevenson, AFC

Got to love that celebration…
For all Arsene’s faults and the situation the club has found itself in over the last few months there is still something special about seeing the joy he takes from victories like yesterdays. The sight of him fists clenched, eyes shut, head flung back and mouth wide open in celebration at the final whistle is absolutely joyous. There’s still more passion and love for the club in the old dog than half the supposed supporters out there.

He’s not perfect, the club may be in need of a major overhaul but my God it does bring a smile to my face to see him celebrate like that.
Lee, Stoke Newington, AFC

Actually, Arsenal were no better
Okay, so I just watched the Arsenal – City match, and I cannot believe what I am reading on F365, with 16 Conclusions and your belief that change has finally come to Arsenal. Anyone who missed the match and read your articles would have thought the Arsenal were vibrant, smooth, purposeful…except they clearly weren’t!

I am an Arsenal supporter, and I am pleased with the result, but this does not mean I should be deceived by the performance. You make it sound like Arsenal’s slow first half was a deliberate tactic, not a manifestation of the same malaise that has infested the club. Gabriel had a good match defensively, but I have never seen a defender so uncomfortable when crossing the halfway line (can’t wait to see Mustafi marauding in that position though).

Ramsey is still Ramsey, his performance was predictably ponderous.

Giroud…No, I refuse to use swear words.

Great work from Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ozil was more switched on than usual, Alexis’ energy warrants multiple drug tests, and Monreal was mostly solid (culpable for the goal, great slam finish on his weaker foot for the equalizer)

Most alarming is your hint that this should be some redemption for Arsene. Come on, don’t just write based on the final score, the performance matters too. If City had scored any of those chances that hit the woodwork, would this still be your final analysis?

In summary, I’m quite happy with the result, but there’s no reason to pretend the performance was more than a little better than the dross we’ve been seeing for the last few months.
Babajide, tired Nigerian gooner

Is Jose eking a good season from United?
Well, I didn’t expect that at all. We went to Turf Moor, one of the tougher grounds to visit this season, and didn’t just come away with three points, but had an extremely comfortable afternoon. Almost everyone was excellent, Bailly and Martial probably being the stand-out performers. For the second league game in a row, we’ve restricted the opposition to 0 shots on target. That counts for something.

It also seems that Jose’s tough love is working with certain players. Mkhitaryan, Shaw and now Martial all seem to have stepped up when Mourinho’s hung them out to dry in public, and he’s praised each one for showing the right attitude, which can only be a good thing for the rest of this season and the next. Can’t say I agree with the method, but it seems to be reasonably effective.

A great weekend for United overall, but the derby is now absolutely massive for us. Win that, and top four suddenly looks very likely. Still not getting my hopes up, but it’s entirely in our hands now. We could realistically have two trophies and a top four spot by the end of May – given how inconsistent we’ve been, that’s a good season in my book.
DJ, MUFC (congrats to Kante and Alli on the PFA awards. Both thoroughly deserved) India

The big build-up…
Ladies and gentleman, please welcome to the stage…GUY SHRIMPTON!
Silvio (Orange Goblin) Dante

Right on cue…
Rashford plays up front, scores twice. Rooney and Martial play up front, also score. Huh, who would have ever thought THAT would happen? And with Lingard playing too…
Guy S

Milner has gone downhill…
It seems so weird to ask this, given that it was a situation no-one foresaw prior to the season, but is anyone else shocked at the decline in James Milner as a left-back?

At the beginning of the season, he was the unexpected shining star of the Liverpool team – your early winner at one point as I recall, and one of the shocks of the season. Stats would tell us that he was one of the best left-backs in Europe, he was a constant threat going forward and, unlike Moreno, was actually able to track back and do that whole ‘defending’ thing which modern managers expect of defenders. I know, what a time to be alive.

Indeed, there was a time toward the end of 2016 that the left-back spot in the PFA team of the year was seen as being a choice between Rose and Milner. Cut to now, and the actual team – Rose walks the spot, despite being out injured for a considerable period of time, with only Alonso really noted as being an alternative. Milner isn’t mentioned – the man is forgotten. And deservedly so – for most of 2017 he’s been acceptable at best, decent at crosses yet making semi-regular mistakes. Still phenomenal at penalties, but barely any other goals or assists from open play. No longer the threat on the wing that so many other Premier League full-backs are offering – even Luke Shaw’s cameos appear to lead to more chances for Man United that Milner’s repeated starts. We only need to look at the game against Crystal Palace for the embodiment of this decline – caught too far forward twice (known as ‘Moreno-ing’), lethargic for the second goal. A few crosses, but no game-changing threats.

But as I noted at the start of this mailbox entry – he’s regressed to the level that we all expected him to be in the left back role. Passable, just about acceptable, but clearly in need of replacement for a serious title challenge. It just all seems a bit of a shame after how it all started. Can Liverpool really afford to have one of their highest-paid players as a first-choice substitute next season? As it really doesn’t seem he’s capable of playing any other role for them if they want to push for the title.
Jonny Kay (come on Forest, we’re so close now!!)

Well done Jurgen
Well done Mr. Klopp for bringing back the Liverpool I know and I’m used to, for the past seven years. To be honest, I almost missed it, the pain of supporting this club. I was feeling all optimistic and sh*t for the summer transfer window and that we’re finally turning a page. Late September 2016, I was sort of pissed with you for making Liverpool boring. How stupid and naive was I ?!

Bloody well done. Champions League football is overrated anyway.
Abhinav, LFC, Chicago

Liverpool not ready for Champions League
A team that has a shoddy defence do not deserve to win anything.
A team that plays without an proper striker do not deserve to win anything.
A team that has to field a bench with under-20s players due to of a lack of reinforcements (to cover for injuries) do not deserve to win anything

Liverpool is better off in Europa League next season, because let’s be honest, with the present squad they have, they are not at all ready; and will only get their butts kicked against better teams in the Champions League.
Andrew Chong

Thanks for Josh love but…
It was great to see Daniel Storey give Josh King some airtime in his ‘early winner’ column. It’s thoroughly deserved.

However, it is quite remarkable that he is using Mousset (and to a lesser degree, Lewis Cook) as a direct comparison and an example of Eddie Howe’s failure in the transfer market when King was arguably in the same boat after only six months with the Cherries. Bournemouth fans who follow me on Twitter will know I am not a fawning Howe fanboy. Yes, I think he is an incredible coach and there is no one I would rather have at the club than him (when he does go, we will be in more than a spot of bother), but he does get things wrong. However, I do have sympathy with him when it comes to transfer policy. He is on record as saying it’s difficult to get proven, Premier League quality to come to Bournemouth – the wage structure, size and reputation of the club just doesn’t make it feasible. So, what does he have to do? He has to sign untried players with potential where his undoubted coaching ability will look to make them better. Some of these might not come off, but to write off players like Mousset and Lewis Cook after just one season is ridiculous.

Many Bournemouth fans were writing off King at the mid-point of last season. But, he is improving all of the time and could easily command a £15-£20m fee in the summer (I sincerely hope he doesn’t go though). He’s said Howe has made him better and he has huge respect for him as a coach. Mousset has shown in his cameos this season that he has bags of ability. Howe will need time to harness that and get him to fit into the team system. I think most would agree that Bournemouth are a team better than the sum of their parts. That’s because Howe drills their individual responsibilities into them over weeks and months. It’s tough for someone to walk straight into the side and not weaken it in any way – particularly a flair player like Mousset.

I’m as frustrated as the next man that Lewis Cook hasn’t got more minutes this season. It’s unfortunate that he plays the same role as Surman (Eddie’s favourite, although I’m not sure why) and of course, I doubt the signing of Wilshere was expected when Cook signed on the dotted line. Cook was excellent in the home fixture against Manchester United in August, and it’s a mystery to many as why he hasn’t played more (injury aside) since, but with Wilshere, Surman and now Gosling injured, we may just see him play more in the last few games. He’s just a kid really (like Mousset) and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him cementing a starting XI place next season and prove why he is so highly rated by many people in the game. And just look at his awareness and execution of that assist for Pugh versus Boro this weekend just gone – the lad has clearly got something. Just ask any Leeds fan.

Marc Wilson was, admittedly, a strange signing – rumours are it was a bit of a desperate last-minute decision after a prime central defensive target fell through last summer, whilst Brad Smith does have a lot (and I mean a lot) of improving to do if he is to make it. And as for Ibe, he’s not been as bad as many say and it’s his price tag that probably attracts the most attention. But again, he’s young, and you could see over the season that his awareness of his responsibilities as a winger in a Howe team were just beginning to bed in.

As a bit of balance, it’s tough to give too much criticism to a man who signed Harry Arter for £4,000 (in true vidiprinter style, I’ll write that in words just in case anyone thinks it’s a typo – FOUR THOUSAND POUNDS) and Storey’s very own favourite uncapped English central defender, Steve Cook, for just £150,000.

I know football managers aren’t supposed to get time anymore, but if there is one coach in the country who will be afforded that time by his employer, it’s Howe. I think we, as fans and the media should also take a step back and show a bit more patience with young signings. Who knows, Storey may be writing an ‘early winner’ column about Mousset or Lewis Cook this time next season.
Robbie, Milton Keynes (Based on Saturday’s performance, as the song goes, if Gibson plays for England so can I).

A pair of Cherries…
Whilst watching Bournemouth stroll to victory on Saturday, I started thinking about unsung partnerships. We are always quick to talk about the great striking duos like Sutton and Shearer, Yorke and Cole, and Sturridge and Suarez but rarely about other partnerships across the pitch.

From our League One days there has been one consistent example for us; Pugh and Daniels on the left-hand side. Watching them tear apart an admittedly woeful Middlesbrough side on Saturday was an absolute pleasure. At times they are almost telepathic in their awareness of where the other is. So I was wondering what the mailboxes’ thoughts were on the greatest non-striking partnerships at their teams and in the football world at large?

Also, just a quick word on the otherwise cracking Josh King article. Lys Mousset looked bright in his little cameo on Saturday and is still only 21. No one would have predicted King to score 14 this season, so it’s a bit soon to write Mousset off yet.
Bryan, Newcastle (looking forward to West Ham bidding £5m for King in summer)

Peter G’s weekend thoughts
* Think they’ll remember that one on Humberside for a while? If you were watching, it was no surprise at all: Hull were the better team even down to 10 men. Watford forgot or didn’t care how to attack two banks of four, and their first half-decent chance from open play came in stoppage time. The Tigers needed a little luck on set pieces – Miguel Britos and Etienne Capoue both missed presentable opportunities — but there was no doubt who deserved the three points. Andrea Ranocchia and Harry Maguire were superb in defence, and Sam Clucas was man of the match. ‘Famous’ isn’t a strong enough word to describe the victory; I think we have to go all the way to ‘supercalifragilistic’ etc.

* Who’s the most consistent striker in world football? Christian Benteke, that’s who. In his five years for three different teams in the Premier League, his shots on target per 90 minutes are 1.4, 1.2, 1.1, 1.1, 1.2. His goals/90 are 0.6, 0.4, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5. Even his successful dribbles/90 are 0.7, 0.7, 0.6, 0.8, 0.9.

* It may not have been the substitution heard ’round the world, but it was certainly heard around South Wales, and maybe even New South Wales as well. Leading 1-0 with more than a half hour left, Paul Clement stuck his head all the way into the noose by removing Fernando Llorente for Mike van der Hoorn, a third central defender. Everyone from Nostradamus on down foresaw the disaster – only nine minutes later Stoke had a penalty. But Marko Arnautovic missed, a moment later a deflected shot went in (off Joe Allen, no less), and the Swans floated home. Saido Berahino missed one good chance and one great chance, and Peter Crouch spent most of the afternoon watching crosses miss him by several yards. Ninth place looks farther away than ever.

* Gastón Ramírez wins the coveted What Were You Thinking Award for the week, narrowly beating out his manager, who decided three at the back would work against a side that attacks in numbers on the wings. Less than two minutes in, Charlie Daniels and Marc Pugh doubled up on Antonio Barragán to set up Josh King’s goal, and Boro were headed to the Championship.

* You guys have seen a lot more Cup semifinals than I have, but there can’t have been many better than Chelsea – Spurs. My one question: how on earth were Christian Eriksen and Mousa Dembélé on the losing side in that game?

* I’m nowhere near a Wenger booster, but it was nice to see him celebrating victory at Wembley. You could tell it meant a lot to him. But he should start one goal down in the final for mentioning Arsenal’s mental strength again.
Peter G, Pennsylvania, USA (that was peak Rooney, 2017 version)

Some El Clasico talk
There never seems to be any talk of European football in the mailbox – outside the parameters of Champions League action – so I thought I’d mail in about Sunday night’s El Clasico, though I’m sure some more readers will also do the same after such a great game.

A brief summary for anyone who missed it; Madrid pegged Barca back twice, Ramos got sent off and Messi scored a tasty winner in the 92nd minute.

Here’s a random collection of points

* No team really seemed to control midfield throughout. Messi was probably the most influential player in the middle third as he constantly dropped in there. Two players received yellows for fouling him, while Ramos got a straight red too. All fouls were identical as he skated away by the halfway line.

* If United do lose De Gea during the summer they could do a damn sight worse than replacing him with Keylor Navas. He was monumental for Madrid and couldn’t have done a thing about any of the goals. Either him or Oblak please Jose.

* Benzema is a bit crap nowadays. Very much like Paco Alcacer – who is absolutely s&*%e – at the other end, though Benzema gets involved slightly more. He just doesn’t look like scoring in big games.

* That may be because Ronaldo is obviously hanging around the centre a bit more, but his best moments came from cutting in off the left. Not a great night from the Portuguese man, but did fashion a few chances for himself.

* Bale was fairly poor before he went off injured. Seems to be the narrative behind his season this year.

* Dumb two-footed lunge by Ramos, enough said.

* What a cracker from Ivan Rakitic to put Barca ahead. He has been out of form this season but that strike had plenty of oomph in it.

* Someone wrote in last night hailing Marcelo’s performance against Munich. He is so much fun to watch, but he really does leave that left flank very open. His ball to set up James for the equaliser was a cracker, but Barcelona got plenty of joy going down his side. If only they had Dani Alves…

* Staying on James’ goal, what a ballsy move from Zidane. A goal down with 15 minutes to go and with Morata (striker) and Isco (in good form and loved by Madridistas) he chose the much maligned Colombian. Taking off the ineffective Benzema was ballsy enough too, but James made an impact and justified the decision. Zidane’s good at this management lark.

* Suarez is woefully out of form. His touch is off, movement laboured and he just isn’t getting involved that much. A shame as he’s one of the most exciting players in the world when he’s at it.

* I don’t really like Messi to be honest, but he is probably the best player to ever lace a pair of boots. That winning goal just showed the class of the man.

* What a way to reignite the title race. Honestly one of the best games of football I’ve seen all year.

Quick question for the editors if they would be so kind as to oblige me… Why did ye do away with the ‘Spanish Thing’ section. It was quite enjoyable and a little different. I understand your normal writers probably don’t watch that much Spanish football to be experts, and getting someone who does probably costs money. Maybe it’s a lack of interest, but I’d be somewhat surprised.

I’d love to see a bit more discussion on European matters, Championship matters or even lower down the Premier League food chain. Despite being a United fan myself, I don’t really care for reading about Jose, Pogba, Ibra, Wenger, Ozil, Pep or Klopp twice daily every day.
Paddy (What a perfect Sunday for Man United) Ireland

(We run this site on sod all budget. It really is as simple as that – Ed)

…Great game to watch, with both teams going for it with some exquisite football. Now, I must say I hate both teams with a passion (just love Zizou), but I was flabbergasted and amused by the game management skills by both Madrid and Barca. From the 80th or so onwards, it was a pathetic show by two of the best teams in the world. Barca were 2-1 up and a man up after Ramos’ stupidity, and were still pilling men forwards, leaving themselves exposed at the back for a counter. It was completely unnecessary as everyone knows how dangerous Real are on the counter, even with a man down. After the equalizer, Madrid kind of continued in a gung-ho style, which I admire for its courage.

However, it is completely and utterly stupid that with less than a minute to go, with a chance to stay at three points ahead (potentially six), Ronaldo ushers his teammates to press Barcelona. This wouldn’t normally be that a suicidal an idea, but with a man down it is; these are players whose games and practices are just one giant possession maintaining drill, and have been for years, they can have more men at the back to play through the press (via having a ball-playing keeper), whilst also having more men up top to counter (via being a man up). So yeah suicide.
Shafei (CFC)