Morning all.
I watched Arsenal Ladies’s quarter-final first leg in opposition to Actual Madrid final evening, and two errors value us dearly. A purpose in every half for the house facet offers us heaps to do within the second leg, however a minimum of that recreation will probably be performed on a pitch that’s worthy of a match like this.
Actual Madrid can’t management the climate, and it rained a good bit by all accounts, however that enjoying floor was genuinely horrible. Sure, it was the identical for either side, however that doesn’t imply it was acceptable. A Actual Madrid participant really received injured due to how poor it was. I feel it performed an element within the first purpose, the best way the ball skidded caught out Leah Williamson, however for the second the goalkeeper ought to have achieved higher and Arsenal’s defenders can’t again off and let somebody simply shoot like that both.
So, heaps to do within the second leg which takes place subsequent week – after a weekend recreation in opposition to Liverpool too. Afterwards, Renee Slegers Mentioned:
It’s two nil but it surely’s half-time. The gamers tried so all credit score to them for making an attempt and their work charge. However once more, I feel we’re all assured that we will do one thing in opposition to them on the Emirates at dwelling as a result of it’s solely half time.
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In the meantime, the BBC reported yesterday that Arsenal are set to open talks with Bukayo Saka over a brand new contract. Whether or not that is associated to the approaching appointment of Andrea Berta or not, it’s laborious to say, however you would need to think about this can be a state of affairs that’s distinct from him. He is perhaps concerned, he would possibly play an element, however this isn’t a call that wants his enter.
It’s, by a ways, the obvious factor Arsenal have to do – together with guaranteeing William Saliba extends his deal too. The latter has made constructive noises about his future, saying he needs to remain and win trophies with the membership, in order that a minimum of offers you a pleasant platform to start negotiations.
Equally, it shouldn’t be massively troublesome with Saka, even when his agent is somebody who may be difficult to take care of. In the end although, he has monitor report of getting superb phrases for his purchasers, so possibly it must be seen via that prism firstly. And if you happen to’re representing Bukayo Saka, you already know you’ve gotten a really sturdy hand to play with.
That stated, Saka’s connection to the membership, to the followers, to the neighborhood and many others due to his historical past via Hale Finish and as an Arsenal fan, is a giant assist. It doesn’t imply it’s one thing we must always take as a right, however he too is somebody who will need to keep and to win issues in crimson and white. If it turns into abundantly clear that received’t occur, we shouldn’t be below any illusions a few participant of his high quality selecting a distinct path to meet these ambitions, however I don’t suppose we’re at that time – even when this season has been disappointing.
Circling again round to the Sporting Director, for me the contractual conditions are instantly linked to summer time recruitment. We’ve been requested for the Arsecast Additional which is extra essential, bringing gamers in or renewals? My reply is each. You possibly can persuade gamers to remain extra simply if you happen to present actual ambition and add critical high quality out there. Equally, if you happen to’re making an attempt to persuade somebody Arsenal is the membership to which you’re going to commit the subsequent 5 years of your profession, telling them you’re gonna be enjoying with Saka, Saliba et al is clearly a horny proposition.
There was additionally a line about Gabriel within the BBC article, which stated the Brazil worldwide ‘has additionally held talks over an extension’, however he’s believed to have garnered curiosity from golf equipment in Saudi Arabia. This bit just isn’t new, that was the problem when he was left on the bench for a few video games at first of final season, and till that was achieved and dusted, it value him his place within the staff.
That is actually an fascinating one, as a result of you may perceive why some gamers would possibly discover the phrases on supply from Saudi Arabia engaging. It permits them to justify a transfer which, if seen solely via the phrases of the standard/status of the league, is definitely a step down from the Premier League and Champions League. Gabriel is now 27, and he was one of many first to decide to a brand new deal once we began the final spherical of renewals – and maybe didn’t get the identical monetary phrases as a few of those that re-signed later, and even signed for the membership after that.
I don’t know if that’s one thing that bothers him, however what I’d say is that if a brand new supply is made to him now – and I completely suppose it ought to be, it’s as essential as Saka/Saliba for me – then it has to replicate his stature as some of the essential and now some of the skilled gamers within the squad. He has produced excessive degree performances with a consistency that few centre-halves can handle within the Premier League, and his partnership with Saliba is essential for our hopes of future success.
Have a look at what Virgil van Dijk is doing at 33. Gabriel has good years left, and we have to guarantee the most effective of these are in an Arsenal shirt. He has greater than earned the type of contract that places him on a par with our prime earners, so let’s hope that’s one we will kind out with out an excessive amount of fuss.
Okay, I’ll go away it there for now. Have one people.
