Morning all.
I watched Arsenal Ladies’s quarter-final first leg towards Actual Madrid final night time, and two errors value us dearly. A objective in every half for the house aspect provides us tons to do within the second leg, however a minimum of that sport 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 taking part in 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 a component within the first objective, the best way the ball skidded caught out Leah Williamson, however for the second the goalkeeper ought to have accomplished higher and Arsenal’s defenders can’t again off and let somebody simply shoot like that both.
So, tons to do within the second leg which takes place subsequent week – after a weekend sport towards Liverpool too. Afterwards, Renee Slegers mentioned:
It’s two nil nevertheless it’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 will do one thing towards them on the Emirates at residence 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 laborious to say, however you would need to think about this can be a situation that’s distinct from him. He is likely to be concerned, he would possibly play a component, 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 constructive noises about his future, saying he needs to remain and win trophies with the membership, in order that a minimum of provides you a pleasant platform to start negotiations.
Equally, it shouldn’t be massively tough with Saka, even when his agent is somebody who might be tough to cope with. In the end although, he has a very good observe document of getting superb phrases for his purchasers, so possibly it must be considered by that prism before everything. And for those who’re representing Bukayo Saka, you recognize you’ve 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 Hale Finish and as an Arsenal fan, is a giant assist. It doesn’t imply it’s one thing we must always take with no consideration, however he too is somebody who will wish to keep and to win issues in pink and white. If it turns into abundantly clear that gained’t occur, we shouldn’t be underneath any illusions a few participant of his high quality selecting a special 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 straight linked to summer season recruitment. We’ve been requested for the Arsecast Further which is extra vital, 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 critical high quality out there. Equally, for those who’re attempting 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 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 will not be new, that was the difficulty when he was left on the bench for a few video games at first of final season, and till that was accomplished and dusted, it value him his place within the staff.
That is definitely an fascinating one, as a result of you may 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 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 might say is that if a brand new provide is made to him now – and I completely suppose it must be, it’s as vital as Saka/Saliba for me – then it has to replicate his stature as probably the most vital and now probably the most skilled gamers within the squad. He has produced excessive stage 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 high earners, so let’s hope that’s one we will kind out with out an excessive amount of fuss.
Okay, I’ll depart it there for now. Have a very good one of us.
