The Skipper

Masterclass in how to effect the game off the ball. Really good performance, read the game extremely well. Just wish he could develop some sort of final third threat (long shots, final through balls particularly).

I understand what you’re saying re: Costa. It’s one of the biggest problems with Michy - his presence up front is sometimes very poor, I agree. But we were playing with ten men at times with Costa when his head was turned, and Michy barely got a sniff. How is Michy going to improve at all if you don’t give him any serious minutes? Why couldn’t Conte take a small risk on dropping a very unproductive striker at the time? I do agree that Michy going on loan is best for all parties as it stands though. And Giroud is a great back up striker for sure, perfect conduit whilst Michy develops at BVB. The best thing about the 18 month deal is that it keeps our options open.

I even forgot about what you said towards the end of the post. It’s that, plus his constant need for a new target man, plus the things I’ve mentioned before... using Michy like he’s some sort of 17 year old academy product that can’t be trusted whatsoever. Of course Michy isn’t infallible - far from it - and I do understand that he doesn’t fit Conte’s system too well but I feel like Conte could’ve managed the Michy situation far better. He has his deficiencies but he isn’t a completely useless player.

When Costa went anonymous for months and Conte completely ignored Michy for example. When he played Hazard false 9 (which let’s be honest isn’t really effective) instead of Michy for example. Can’t say Conte has been fair with Michy. I know he doesn’t fit his system per se but still.

Are you okay? Michy is on loan mate. Giroud only has an 18 month contract. I’m as angry as the next person about how Conte misused Michy but you shouldn’t make up some false narrative.

I don’t know, I don’t think his attributes would translate too well as a B2B midfielder, unless he suddenly became effective in the final third which is extremely unlikely. IMO he has a better future as a holding mid, but he’d need to learn the role a lot. I also don’t think Ramires was/is better technically than Bakayoko. Ramires was just an incredible athlete and used that very well. You’re probably right though, just don’t think he should be playing as a B2B mid if he wants to be an important player.

Of course I’m not talking about definite ability - I’m talking about his profile as a player. A strong defensive midfielder with big presence, that should be good at driving the ball forward whilst chipping in with a few goals. That’s the sort of player Bakayoko is, not really a technical B2B midfielder that is deadly in the final third (Toure).

Always thought he was more like a Vieira type.

Food for thought.

You guys are judging a player after watching him in ONE game. Bravo.

What? Are you serious?

Eto'o too (even if he was OAP).

He has a chant (quite crap though tbh). The problem is that he doesn’t have a real connection with the fans, I think it has to do with the fact that match going fans don’t want to feel too attached to him because there’s always the potential that he’ll move to let’s say a Real Madrid. It’s unfortunate.

Has potential to be like a director at this club in about 20/30 years if he showed potential for it imo. Top notch guy.

It’s the longer hair.

It’s weird how he doesn’t seem to be as mythical as those two. Some will say someone like Essien or Ashley Cole were bigger legends but evidence suggests otherwise. If he gets us a CL he should be remembered as the best player to play for this club imo.

13 goals and 8 assists in 27 starts (7 sub apps). One assist in the last 10 games. Not bad. Maybe not this season due to injury, but I do feel like a good point for Eden to aim for (numbers wise) is something close to 40 goal contributions (apart from all the other things he brings to a game). Would’ve easily achieve this this season but guys around him don’t really know how to finish.

Yeah, him and Eden will make beautiful music. Giroud was always part of the best team goals Arsenal scored - he’s somewhat of a creative presence up front. His style of play means he can play at this level for years to come tbh. Good player.

It’s Conte. His squad management is bad/weird.

Christensen is a far better organiser at the back than someone like Cahill for example. I’m not denying any of the other factors but I genuinely doubt we would have conceded as many goals. Sure, could’ve still lost, but not by three goals against teams like Watford and Bournemouth. I’m not saying Christensen playing equates to us definitely winning, that’s a narrative Henrique had started.

I genuinely think that his replacement (Cahill) has been a big factor as to why the team’s been conceding so many goals. Of course, Conte and the rest of the players are culpable too but I doubt we concede 7 if AC was playing.

Fully agree. The team is just so negative and it's been clear all season that Hazard at F9 just doesn't work. Why not just start a more positive team when we're conceding and leaking goals with such a defensive set up anyway? Conte's being a crazy coward. Switch it up or something Conte. Would love seeing something like this in the near future but it just won't happen: Courtois Azpilicueta Christensen Rüdiger Emerson Kanté Barkley Willian Hazard Morata Hudson-Odoi Not an amazing team obviously but it's refreshing, it's something different. Tired of this regurgitated nonsense man.

Wow, explosive presser. Looks like this is a parting shot. Hollywood FC at it again.

Genuinely can't defend without him. Shocking.