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 aim in every half for the house facet offers us heaps to do within the second leg, however not less than that sport can be performed on a pitch that’s worthy of a event like this.
Actual Madrid can’t management the climate, and it rained a good bit by all accounts, however that taking part in floor was genuinely horrible. Sure, it was the identical for each side, however that doesn’t imply it was acceptable. A Actual Madrid participant really bought injured due to how poor it was. I feel it performed an element within the first aim, the best way the ball skidded caught out Leah Williamson, however for the second the goalkeeper ought to have completed 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 sport 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 attempting and their work charge. However once more, I feel we’re all assured that we are able to do one thing in opposition to them on the Emirates at house 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 upcoming appointment of Andrea Berta or not, it’s arduous to say, however you would need to think about this can be a state of affairs that’s distinct from him. He is likely to be concerned, he would possibly play an element, however this isn’t a choice that wants his enter.
It’s, by a long way, the obvious factor Arsenal have to do – together with making certain William Saliba extends his deal too. The latter has made optimistic noises about his future, saying he desires to remain and win trophies with the membership, in order that not less than offers you a pleasant platform to start negotiations.
Equally, it shouldn’t be massively tough with Saka, even when his agent is somebody who could be tough to take care of. In the end although, he has a superb observe report of getting superb phrases for his shoppers, so perhaps it must be considered by means of that prism at the beginning. And for those who’re representing Bukayo Saka, you understand you will have a really robust hand to play with.
That mentioned, Saka’s connection to the membership, to the followers, to the group and many others due to his historical past by means of Hale Finish and as an Arsenal fan, is an enormous assist. It doesn’t imply it’s one thing we should always take as a right, however he too is somebody who will need to keep and to win issues in purple and white. If it turns into abundantly clear that gained’t occur, we shouldn’t be beneath any illusions a few participant of his high quality selecting a unique path to satisfy 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 immediately linked to summer season recruitment. We’ve been requested for the Arsecast Additional which is extra necessary, bringing gamers in or renewals? My reply is each. You may persuade gamers to remain extra simply for those who present actual ambition and add severe high quality available in the market. Equally, for those who’re attempting to persuade somebody Arsenal is the membership to which you’re going to commit the following 5 years of your profession, telling them you’re gonna be taking part in with Saka, Saliba et al is clearly a pretty proposition.
There was additionally a line about Gabriel within the BBC article, which mentioned 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 shouldn’t be new, that was the problem when he was left on the bench for a few video games firstly of final season, and till that was completed and dusted, it value him his place within the staff.
That is definitely an attention-grabbing one, as a result of you’ll be able to perceive why some gamers would possibly discover the phrases on provide from Saudi Arabia engaging. It permits them to justify a transfer which, if considered solely by means of 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 after 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 might say is that if a brand new provide is made to him now – and I completely suppose it needs to be, it’s as necessary as Saka/Saliba for me – then it has to replicate his stature as one of the crucial necessary and now one of the crucial 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 perfect of these are in an Arsenal shirt. He has greater than earned the type of contract that places him on a par with our high earners, so let’s hope that’s one we are able to type out with out an excessive amount of fuss.
Okay, I’ll depart it there for now. Have a superb one people.
