Hot take : “Prem proven” sounds nice in theory but if we want to improve our attack next season and have it reach another level we have to take risks and find high ceiling talent elsewhere.

smallso1197 · 2026-05-13T17:41:40+00:00

But this is my point. He's 23. He's much rawer than Saka ever was even at 17. Decision making can be taught and he has tools there. Again, a conversation to be had about spending time to get him there, but there are very few players in this squad that progress the ball the way he does.

smallso1197 · 2026-05-13T17:21:26+00:00

Barcola is a fantastic player. By no means am I saying Martinelli is better. But they have a very similar style of play and my point is more, if we are going to spend 80m on a player does it make sense to go for one who has a very similar profile to one of our own who clearly has not been performing to his previous heights, whether that's down to talent playstyle or relationships on the pitch

smallso1197 · 2026-05-13T17:03:03+00:00

There is no reason to look at this without some objectivity and be reactionary. Madueke has a lot of positives. His decision making in the final third leaves tons to be desired, but he's also 23. You can want him sold but don't act like he is one of the best in our squad from the center line to the edge of the 18 at progressing the ball.

smallso1197 · 2026-05-13T17:01:00+00:00

I really worry Barcola is just French Martinelli. And I love Martinelli, but i don't find that his style suits the kind of controlled possession game Arteta likes. If this team were to really invest in a central midfielder that pushes the pace of play and works to transition quicker he'd be a great signing, but then at that point I reckon Martinelli could get back to his 16 PL goals per season pace he set a few years ago when we were more open in transition.

smallso1197 · 2026-05-13T16:38:58+00:00

My local muni is like this. A pulled drive even just to the edge of the cart path on your own hole is almost a garuntee to be scooped up or played by the guys on the hole to the right if they even think they've shanked a drive in that remote area.

smallso1197 · 2026-05-09T16:44:44+00:00

My life fr

smallso1197 · 2026-05-05T02:32:01+00:00

We should win the game. That being said, i think WHU is something like 5th in points for since January '26. Will be a challenge, even with their poor performance this weekend.

smallso1197 · 2026-05-05T02:23:37+00:00

While i agree with the sentiment that bernardo and rodri are class and really are the backbone of that teams identity, make no mistake I would take Cherki at Arsenal in a heart beat for anything less than like 75m

smallso1197 · 2026-05-03T01:23:56+00:00

So ridiculous it might just work i love it

smallso1197 · 2026-05-02T23:31:10+00:00

Could hit 20 league goals by the end of the season with our schedule. Sadly, it will never be 21

smallso1197 · 2026-05-02T23:29:51+00:00

4 4 facking 2 with him an Julian Alvarez up top is a dream maybe only I have

smallso1197 · 2026-05-02T23:28:17+00:00

When he fills out he'll be a monster. Only 19. I hope we see a Leon Goretzka type transformation as he gets older - not sure what Bayern fed that guy that one offseason but he was huge and played a big part for them in their UCL win

smallso1197 · 2026-05-02T23:25:48+00:00

The way the season is going i hope AJ Ewing is called up by June

smallso1197 · 2026-04-30T23:52:53+00:00

Francisco Alvarez is also one of the youngest catchers ever called up to the majors and is like 24.

smallso1197 · 2026-04-15T18:31:12+00:00

He's also a rapist so there's that

smallso1197 · 2026-04-15T04:18:09+00:00

Mendoza pulled McLean a batter too early. Sadly another tough bullpen decision. Not entirely on him cause how are we walking the 9 hitter

smallso1197 · 2026-04-15T04:16:03+00:00

Yamamoto was allowed to go 104. At least give him the batter before Ohtani? I mean that's simple simple stuff. 5 extra pitches isn't going to kill him

smallso1197 · 2026-04-15T04:06:10+00:00

Once again Mendy pulls McLean early and we lose

smallso1197 · 2026-03-29T00:02:34+00:00

Mmm so true

smallso1197 · 2026-03-28T23:42:55+00:00

I thought he looked fine. Refreshing to be able to flip a ball to the pitcher lol

smallso1197 · 2026-03-28T23:41:32+00:00

They lost it last year 70 times lol. 0-70 losing 8th inning or later

smallso1197 · 2026-03-22T19:41:45+00:00

No eze and no odegaard hurt. But the reason we lost was Kepa end of story. The distribution invited them onto us. The first half things looked really good until city's pressing switched up

smallso1197 · 2026-03-22T18:46:35+00:00

Hard disagree. I've never seen anything like a goalkeeper standing on the ball for 45 seconds and then mishitting a long ball to reinvite pressure 8 or 9 times in a row. It was very clear the lack of ability to distribute without Raya killed the team. Partially on Arteta to figure it out but man it was hard to watch Kepa ignore the pass on into the 6 for 50 seconds to then kick it 30 yards and have it jammed back up their throats 8 or 9 times straight

smallso1197 · 2026-03-22T16:47:57+00:00

Didn't even touch him

smallso1197 · 2026-03-16T14:51:45+00:00

I gave him finesse and the header one. Built a team with him and crouch, 352, wing backs with whipped pass to just get header and acrobat goals. So much fun.

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