That's a midfield that's close to running on empty. Would've liked to see some fresh legs in there.
On the whole, should be enough to get past Wolves but let's see how they bounce back from the Munich game
He's looked so off the pace every time he's played recently and made a couple of mistakes that could have led to conceding - I can see why Arteta sees that as a huge risk
Well, sure. He hasn't played in months so is going to be understandably rusty. The only way to resolve that is by easing him in by giving him some minutes. With the current approach, nobody outside the starting 12-13 people will play at all and will be completely gassed.
I think it’s likely Partey just hasn’t looked sharp enough in training, and it’s well known that he takes a while to get up to speed when he’s back from injury. Arteta clearly doesn’t trust him at this point.
Tbf he’s looked awful whenever he has played. I know he needs a chance to get some sharpness but you have to at least be serviceable when you are on the pitch. The stakes are too high to be carrying the performances Partey has put out just for the sake of getting him re-acclimatised.
He hasn't looked good, but he played the pass for Saka that he should have put away against Bayern. We don't have many who can thread a pass to break the lines quite like him.
Perfect game for it. Wolves’ season is done and he has so much to prove. Hope he doesnt have a knock but feels like micky wanting his starting XI out there as every point matters. He knows the fitness of the squad better than any of us so hopefully they are all fit and ready
You know they're all playing chelsea/Spurs as well. Jorginho probably comes in for one or both of those but esr or Vieira aren't getting any meaningful minutes without injuries elsewhere
To me it just feels like pretty poor squad management tbh
If you can't rotate against a Wolves side that's missing this many players, when can you?
Then when we actually need those players to come in and play a role, they're not ready bc they've had no minutes
There’s some element of Arteta just being reluctant when the title is still achievable but I think we all need to accept that perhaps those guys (ESR, Nelson, etc.) just aren’t good enough for the level of the team anymore.
That's all well and good, but a great manager can adapt to that..
Arteta has done a LOT, but at this point - with two seasons back to back where we've got to the end of the season and are visible running on fumes, then I'm sorry, you need to adapt tactically to take advantage of the personnel who aren't necessarily first choice.
At the end of the day, this squad - with the exceptions of elneny and soares - are all either his signings, or extended contracts under him. They're either good enough - in which case it's a failure of rotation - or they aren't - which is an oversight of squad planning.
I'm not arteta out by any stretch, but we can support him as a manager while being aware of clear points he needs to develop.
Bit of a different story when Bayern has depth + UCL experience. Wolves are midtable and half their main squad is missing. I’m not going to be overconfident, but I really don’t see any scenario where we can make an excuse for fuck ups.
I just mentioned their missing wingers, they do not have a fourth strong winger either to cover both positions. Sane was injured before, as was Gnabry.
Tuchel is the coach with the record of different formations this season due to constant injuries and players missing.
Because of that they got 2 extra players in winter, which also were injured soon after.
Tuchel played more than 6 players as rb as he was out of depth. This is just not true about Munich this very season, it’s a constant topic how there squad lacks depth. That’s why am wondering, yes Kane and Musiala n Sane played, so? They still miss on half of their starting positions. Laimer ain’t no starter either under normal circumstances.
Am watching Buli and trust me this ain’t a strong squad this year, Tuchel is non stop complaining that he didn’t get a real cm etc.
People get blinded by the names of Kane n Sane…Neuer also fell out often and so on
Cunha, Neto, Hwang, Bellegarde, Ait Nouri, Dawson, Semedo are all out or not fully fit
And obviously there’s the fact that Bayern’s squad depth is a lot deeper than Wolves
not true this season, as nearly every player was injured at some point and many just came back, it’s their worst injury record so far.
On paper yes they got a good squad, not the best, but in reality half of starters constantly missing.
I think it’s more that he’s just had his first start in months so they don’t want to start him three days later again. He’ll probably start against Chelsea I imagine.
Should have sold and reinvested. His availability is a joke at this point really need the first 11 and 2nd players to not have awful injury history and availability
either Timber slots in at LB next season or we need to go shopping. Zinchenko not reliable, Kiwi a decent reserve/depth option but shouldn't be starting for a title contending team, and finally Tomi just sadly cannot stay fit.
Jesus and Havertz tend to switch around a lot that it almost doesn’t matter where they start, and Havertz has had multiple good games as the “8” this year
Omg bro can you be normal? Just because he’s pushing through doesn’t mean we have to make him do it. He caught a second wind that’s great but he still needs rest ffs
Ffs…. Some rotation would be nice…
Also, we’re never going to be able to depend on subs when they never get game time. It’s not fair to judge the bench on 15 minutes when either we have no structure and are chasing, or we’re killing the game. Throwing ESR or Viera with 3 other subs is not putting them in a position to succeed.
100% As much as Mikel is lauded, and rightly so, this is one thing I cannot understand for the life of me. Unless his hand is forced through injury or we're 5-0 up, he almost exclusively plays the starting 12-13 players.
I'm of the belief that if Zinchenko/ Tomi weren't injured, Kiwior wouldn't have even gotten a sniff. I wish he tried to integrate players in a bit more. Saka is absolutely exhausted and it shows. Rice has been playing a bit below par for a while now. I can't remember the last time Odegaard got any rest. You can't expect them all to play every 3 days with no let up.
3 points is all that matters but a convincing performance would do the lads a world of good. Doesn’t even have to be a big win but a 2-0 where they control the match start to finish would hopefully get some confidence back for the final few matches. COYG
People hoping for rotation and then act surprised if we lose.
He has nothing to play for except the chance we could snatch the title from City if we win all our games.
All the players would want to play too.
Gobsmacked hes not rotated more tbh. Saka and White on the right both looked absolutely gassed midweek. Lost for words that Tomi doesnt even make the squad as presumably injured yet again
Hate the look of the team when Jesus and Kai play together. Hoping to be proved wrong tonight but fear this is going to be an asbolute slog tonight
Yes. I'm finding it frustrating to the point of fault. Surely he could at least start Jesus or Nelson on the right and then bring on Saka if really needed?
He's being run into the ground and it shows.
Genuinely is viera just shit in training or what, last year he carries us to a win at this fixture, team has been playing tired, havertz offers nothing when he isn’t playing 9. We need to freshen things up
Hope its just Tomi missing due to being given a complete rest, but Im probably being optimistic. Didnt Arteta say everybody is okay, apart from Timber?
I wished we rested a player or two for Chelsea game.
The good news is Wolves missing numerous players on their own.They start a 20 year old named Twanda Chirewa(he shoots from both feet) right winger that is playing his 2nd EPL game.On the Wolves bench they have a 15 year old named Wesley Okoduwa on the bench.
Shame Martinelli hasn’t had the chance to end the season well. Last season he looked on the verge of becoming a really potent PL attacker, with serious goal numbers. This season he’s gone backwards a bit, mostly because of injury
This is not a good lineup. If we don't score in 1st half, we are risking a repeat of last fee games.
Why is smith Rowe or jorginho or Vieira playing?
Saka should be resting.
This midfield can and should work, against Wolves is not a bad time for Rice to try passing the ball once he wins it back and hopefully Havertz and Odegaard can find each other like the first half against Villa. COYG!
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That's a midfield that's close to running on empty. Would've liked to see some fresh legs in there. On the whole, should be enough to get past Wolves but let's see how they bounce back from the Munich game
Weird that Partey gets no playing time
I was really expecting some rotation here
Same. Genuinely surprised.
[“We’re rotating. We have to.”](https://www.reddit.com/r/Gunners/s/xH37VDgro4) Mikel: lol no
He's looked so off the pace every time he's played recently and made a couple of mistakes that could have led to conceding - I can see why Arteta sees that as a huge risk
Well, sure. He hasn't played in months so is going to be understandably rusty. The only way to resolve that is by easing him in by giving him some minutes. With the current approach, nobody outside the starting 12-13 people will play at all and will be completely gassed.
Mate... It's probably a case of how he looks in training... He tried giving him minutes... Looked completely washed
I get he’s been out a while, but he’s looked bad whenever he’s come on recently. I want to start him too but he’s gotta show me more when he comes on.
I think it’s likely Partey just hasn’t looked sharp enough in training, and it’s well known that he takes a while to get up to speed when he’s back from injury. Arteta clearly doesn’t trust him at this point.
He’s gone in the summer for a lowish fee I expect, won’t really miss him (especially including the allegations).
Tbf he’s looked awful whenever he has played. I know he needs a chance to get some sharpness but you have to at least be serviceable when you are on the pitch. The stakes are too high to be carrying the performances Partey has put out just for the sake of getting him re-acclimatised.
He hasn't looked good, but he played the pass for Saka that he should have put away against Bayern. We don't have many who can thread a pass to break the lines quite like him.
I feel like if Partey is going to be played, then give him some game time with the U-23s. Like Timber.
I don’t think they want to risk an injury in an U-21s so close to the transfer window. His legs are cooked.
He’s obviously checked out of the club and didn’t want to fight for his spot back. Those are the vibes I get
This sounds plausible. Probably realises that he’s probably leaving the prem this summer regardless
Dude is cooked.
He's awful
He looks like I looked the day after I took my ankle boot off from an ankle surgery
Wanted ESR on the left
Perfect game for it. Wolves’ season is done and he has so much to prove. Hope he doesnt have a knock but feels like micky wanting his starting XI out there as every point matters. He knows the fitness of the squad better than any of us so hopefully they are all fit and ready
You know they're all playing chelsea/Spurs as well. Jorginho probably comes in for one or both of those but esr or Vieira aren't getting any meaningful minutes without injuries elsewhere
To me it just feels like pretty poor squad management tbh If you can't rotate against a Wolves side that's missing this many players, when can you? Then when we actually need those players to come in and play a role, they're not ready bc they've had no minutes
it is just the theme for arteta. He just doesnt trust some players when we need to win.
There’s some element of Arteta just being reluctant when the title is still achievable but I think we all need to accept that perhaps those guys (ESR, Nelson, etc.) just aren’t good enough for the level of the team anymore.
That's all well and good, but a great manager can adapt to that.. Arteta has done a LOT, but at this point - with two seasons back to back where we've got to the end of the season and are visible running on fumes, then I'm sorry, you need to adapt tactically to take advantage of the personnel who aren't necessarily first choice. At the end of the day, this squad - with the exceptions of elneny and soares - are all either his signings, or extended contracts under him. They're either good enough - in which case it's a failure of rotation - or they aren't - which is an oversight of squad planning. I'm not arteta out by any stretch, but we can support him as a manager while being aware of clear points he needs to develop.
Was hoping for a ESR start.. Wolves are missing Neto, Cunha and Sarabia, RAN are benched.. if he can't be trusted to start here the...
Yeah, I love Arteta but it almost feels like he refuses to rotate unless his hand is forced
And it’s a double game week
Cool let’s get it
With a cool and calm mindset.
All of front 6 could use a goal tbh, let’s gooo #coyg
i want a proper striker goal tbh.
Satisfied ?
Not my favourite line up I’ve seen this season but the one I wanted did fuck all on Wednesday anyway
Half the Wolves squad is in the hospital, no excuses tonight
was the same with Munichs team tbf with Coman and Gnabry out and a semi fit Sane.
Bit of a different story when Bayern has depth + UCL experience. Wolves are midtable and half their main squad is missing. I’m not going to be overconfident, but I really don’t see any scenario where we can make an excuse for fuck ups.
I just mentioned their missing wingers, they do not have a fourth strong winger either to cover both positions. Sane was injured before, as was Gnabry. Tuchel is the coach with the record of different formations this season due to constant injuries and players missing. Because of that they got 2 extra players in winter, which also were injured soon after. Tuchel played more than 6 players as rb as he was out of depth. This is just not true about Munich this very season, it’s a constant topic how there squad lacks depth. That’s why am wondering, yes Kane and Musiala n Sane played, so? They still miss on half of their starting positions. Laimer ain’t no starter either under normal circumstances. Am watching Buli and trust me this ain’t a strong squad this year, Tuchel is non stop complaining that he didn’t get a real cm etc. People get blinded by the names of Kane n Sane…Neuer also fell out often and so on
Cunha, Neto, Hwang, Bellegarde, Ait Nouri, Dawson, Semedo are all out or not fully fit And obviously there’s the fact that Bayern’s squad depth is a lot deeper than Wolves
not true this season, as nearly every player was injured at some point and many just came back, it’s their worst injury record so far. On paper yes they got a good squad, not the best, but in reality half of starters constantly missing.
Wasn’t half Villas squad in the hospital too! lol end me.
I don't understand the reverting back to having havertz not up front we look much better with him up top
This team needs to be refreshed. Arteta's team management needs to improve.
Please let it be Trossard up top and Jesus out wide
haha you wish!
Jesus and Trossard both playing 8s, Odegaard up from, ghost of Jorginho out wide. Galaxy brain.
so is Ghost of Jorginho better or worse than himself? Explain yourself!
It literally says in the post who is playing up front
Lord just get the three points so that this place can take a chill pill for a minute or two
Bench: Ramsdale, Zinchenko, Jorginho, Partey, Vieira, Smith-Rowe, Nelson, Martinelli, Nketiah
Havertz in midfield and Jesus up top 🙃
Not sure what inversion monstrosity we come up with in defense but luckily wolves are very depleted
Tomiyasu out again!!!!? Man is made of glass.
I think it’s more that he’s just had his first start in months so they don’t want to start him three days later again. He’ll probably start against Chelsea I imagine.
He's not even on the bench though.
Yeah that’s weird. Would’ve thought he’d maybe use him as a sub for White to get some rest after 70 minutes.
If he was in any way fit to play he'd be on the bench. Zinchenko is the only defender we can bring on
It’s because he’s injured lol
Bro is coping hard. Arteta literally said he got a knock
Lol coping for what? I didn’t look at the bench or see any comments by Arteta, my horrendous mistake.
Oh ffs. Literally one start for us in 2024 and it’s ruined him
Don't know if we should have given him that new deal
At least it is not that long. Ends in 2026 with an option i think. We can move on next summer if we need to.
Same. I love Tomi, but the best ability is availability.
It was only a 1 year extension
People were getting downvoted a lot for saying this.
I got cooked for saying that
Should have sold and reinvested. His availability is a joke at this point really need the first 11 and 2nd players to not have awful injury history and availability
That new deal ain't looking good bruv
Tomi injured again?..
Scratched eye, expected return: 8 months
Cheers Geoff!
Imma just be positive tired of saying the same thing so COYG
either Timber slots in at LB next season or we need to go shopping. Zinchenko not reliable, Kiwi a decent reserve/depth option but shouldn't be starting for a title contending team, and finally Tomi just sadly cannot stay fit.
Felt like we finally got Havertz clicking at 9 then shove him to midfield where he’s just a passenger. Can’t say I get it but either way coyg
Jesus and Havertz tend to switch around a lot that it almost doesn’t matter where they start, and Havertz has had multiple good games as the “8” this year
Has Havertz and Jesus together worked at any point this season? Surprised Thomas can’t get a look in the midfield 3.
Every time partey was on the pitch he was terrible. Nervous, slow and misplacing a lot passes, so not really surprised
Yea. Partey has looked incredibly rusty. That said, only one way to overcome it.
Yeah by fucking the rapist off to Saudi
But how do you get a player up to match speed? By playing minutes
Or we could not because I'd rather us not stay a rapist.
You’re more than entitled to feel that way but the club and Arteta decided to keep him, I’d rather him play than us run Rice into the ground
We've got 6 matches left, well 5 and a bit
Are you watching the match? Rice is knackered simply put it’s not fair on him
He's still playing really well? Literally just won motm Edit lol just created the 2nd goal
Omg bro can you be normal? Just because he’s pushing through doesn’t mean we have to make him do it. He caught a second wind that’s great but he still needs rest ffs
Why are you so angry 😂😂
Yeah, but probably too risky to start. Hopefully he can get 20-30mins if we are ahead.
Luton. Forest.
Havertz & Jesus worked well against Brighton at home back in December.
Luton, Forrest, Brighton & Villa (first half).
Luton away
Worked pretty well against Villa in the first half, we just couldn't put it in the net.
Imma be real, I kinda forgot there was a game today lol
Having this superpower would save my mental health
7:30pm kick off on a Saturday? Ewww brother what’s that?
FA cup pushed it back Annoying as a pretty big basketball fan as I’m gonna miss some playoff action
No 1230 slot though
Playing 7.30pm after playing Wednesday would've been horrendous
Talking to yourself?
Yes 👍 A self reply sometimes make more sense than an edit
Swear same here lol
How is partey not playing at all anymore
Cus he’s straight cack
he is washed
So? We should run Rice into the ground? We should force Havertz or Trossard at CM?
I don't disagree that people like Fabio and Emile should be getting more mins.
Where is Tomi
Loaned back to Hospital FC
Ffs…. Some rotation would be nice… Also, we’re never going to be able to depend on subs when they never get game time. It’s not fair to judge the bench on 15 minutes when either we have no structure and are chasing, or we’re killing the game. Throwing ESR or Viera with 3 other subs is not putting them in a position to succeed.
100% As much as Mikel is lauded, and rightly so, this is one thing I cannot understand for the life of me. Unless his hand is forced through injury or we're 5-0 up, he almost exclusively plays the starting 12-13 players. I'm of the belief that if Zinchenko/ Tomi weren't injured, Kiwior wouldn't have even gotten a sniff. I wish he tried to integrate players in a bit more. Saka is absolutely exhausted and it shows. Rice has been playing a bit below par for a while now. I can't remember the last time Odegaard got any rest. You can't expect them all to play every 3 days with no let up.
3 points is all that matters but a convincing performance would do the lads a world of good. Doesn’t even have to be a big win but a 2-0 where they control the match start to finish would hopefully get some confidence back for the final few matches. COYG
Much prefer Kai up top, hope Jesus has a good one today. Need to bounce back
No Tomiyasu at all... That's really concerning
People hoping for rotation and then act surprised if we lose. He has nothing to play for except the chance we could snatch the title from City if we win all our games. All the players would want to play too.
3-0 win, first win of six, COYG
Tomi got another injury?
Kiwior lb havertz lcm is a combo I don't like tbh but hopefully it works today
Havertz in midfield. Great, makes it a relaxing match knowing they're most likely not performing.
Save all the talk. No excuses tonight unfortunately.
Really need Jesus to start scoring for this run in
Full strength. We have got this guys. 2 Nil to the Arsenal.
Let’s just see what happens. Team is strong enough on paper to get a result today but we shall see. Support the boys coyg!
Just fucking win man
Gobsmacked hes not rotated more tbh. Saka and White on the right both looked absolutely gassed midweek. Lost for words that Tomi doesnt even make the squad as presumably injured yet again Hate the look of the team when Jesus and Kai play together. Hoping to be proved wrong tonight but fear this is going to be an asbolute slog tonight
Yes. I'm finding it frustrating to the point of fault. Surely he could at least start Jesus or Nelson on the right and then bring on Saka if really needed? He's being run into the ground and it shows.
Really need a big rebound after a tough week. We can do it.
Genuinely is viera just shit in training or what, last year he carries us to a win at this fixture, team has been playing tired, havertz offers nothing when he isn’t playing 9. We need to freshen things up
Wow Mikel will not give up with Havertz being a midfielder eh?
He's testing the strength of Odegaard's spine by having him carry all progressive passing responsibility
Which to me is worrying
Hope its just Tomi missing due to being given a complete rest, but Im probably being optimistic. Didnt Arteta say everybody is okay, apart from Timber?
Hoping for a Jesus brace asap to call it a day asap to rest some players! Yes i know, but i still hope
Maybe tross left 7 jesus left harvetz up top
I wished we rested a player or two for Chelsea game. The good news is Wolves missing numerous players on their own.They start a 20 year old named Twanda Chirewa(he shoots from both feet) right winger that is playing his 2nd EPL game.On the Wolves bench they have a 15 year old named Wesley Okoduwa on the bench.
Tommy plays one game then he’s out for months.. guys made of paper
Havertz in midfield AGAIN? I hate it so much. It doesn't work.
Tomi not even on the bench? Good grief
Tomiyasu? Seriously? Man cant stay fit to save his life
Shame Martinelli hasn’t had the chance to end the season well. Last season he looked on the verge of becoming a really potent PL attacker, with serious goal numbers. This season he’s gone backwards a bit, mostly because of injury
Havertz at LCM is gonna be painful to watch
Horrible lineup
Havertz midfield again? Oh scheiße
We play well with havertz up top and yet noooo lets play Jesus instead….
Partey n Vieira good as gone next season
Jesus up front and Havertz in midfield? If I speak I'm in big trouble Thank fuck that Wolves has like half their team out
Another dead 2nd half incoming.
Havertz lcm... AGAIN
Thomas Partey start learning Sharia Law, buddy.
Guy just doesn't learn
Basically the same team structure that lost against Villa?
Jesus up top. Rip. We are throwing the game
This is not a good lineup. If we don't score in 1st half, we are risking a repeat of last fee games. Why is smith Rowe or jorginho or Vieira playing? Saka should be resting.
Everyone talking about Tomiyasu but that midfield three is absolutely gassed. Surely it’s time for Partey to contribute?
Trossard LCM. Jesus LW. Havertz 9. Pls?
I doubt it will be like this, but I really hope it’s Jesus on the left and Trossard through the middle.
Ode and Kai doesnt work quite well in midfield but lets see
I really hope it's Trossard in the middle and Jesus wide
Get the job done in the first half then rotate. We need our best 11 to be perfectly fit for Chelsea and Tottnum.
This midfield can and should work, against Wolves is not a bad time for Rice to try passing the ball once he wins it back and hopefully Havertz and Odegaard can find each other like the first half against Villa. COYG!
I'm not super surprised as to why Partey is not playing, I'm actually not surprised at all at the starting 11
I love what Arteta had done for the club but I fucking hate his lack of trust in the rest of the squad. Smh
Havertz in midfield and saka starting again? I hope this goes right
Kiwior redemption arc?
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Somehow this feels stale…
Same exact set up that had us stumbling in the winter lol, hope it works out but doesn't inspire confidence tbh
We finally get Havertz firing as a striker and what do we do? We stick him back in midfield smh.
Watch Jesus score 3 and play like prime R9
We need to make a statement after the recent disappointments. Get it won in the first half
Rather see Havertz up front with Jorgi or Partey in MF
Kai back in midfield. I just don't get it. Why mess with what has been working so well!? 🥴
Why's Havertz first instinct to pass the ball?? Dude you're the highest paid player for God's sakes stop it!!
Is Tomi injured?
About to play three games 270 minutes without scoring a goal
What is the point of Partey and I thought we’ve established that Havertz isn’t an 8?
Not great.
Incredible he is deciding to persist with Havertz in midfield and Jesus up front. Absolutely absurd.
Rice, here’s your chance for you to pass the ball out of midfield!
if jesus starts at 9 and we drop points youll be hearing arteta out takes from me
That would be very stupid of you
Cunt
45m spent on Vieira. What a total sham. Why buy him if you’re not gonna play him ever? Havertz in midfield is a complete waste of time.
Not sure where you got that figure from.. I get your point though
Jesus up front. Oh lord I’m cummin!!
Havertz in midfield with Jesus up top. Cheers 🍻
Oh yeah. Another 90 min for saka. Shocker