Morning all.
I watched Arsenal Ladies’s quarter-final first leg towards Actual Madrid final evening, and two errors value us dearly. A aim in every half for the house aspect offers us heaps to do within the second leg, however no less than that sport will probably 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 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 a component within the first aim, the way in which the ball skidded caught out Leah Williamson, however for the second the goalkeeper ought to have finished 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 towards Liverpool too. Afterwards, Renee Slegers stated:
It’s two nil however it’s half-time. The gamers tried so all credit score to them for making an attempt and their work fee. However once more, I feel we’re all assured that we are able to 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 onerous to say, however you would need to think about it is a situation that’s distinct from him. He could be concerned, he may play a component, however this isn’t a choice that wants his enter.
It’s, by a ways, the obvious factor Arsenal must 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 no less than offers you a pleasant platform to start negotiations.
Equally, it shouldn’t be massively troublesome 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 file of getting excellent phrases for his purchasers, so possibly it must be considered by way of that prism initially. And if you happen to’re representing Bukayo Saka, you recognize you might have 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 by way of Hale Finish and as an Arsenal fan, is a giant assist. It doesn’t imply it’s one thing we should always take with no consideration, 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 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 instantly linked to summer season recruitment. We’ve been requested for the Arsecast Further which is extra necessary, bringing gamers in or renewals? My reply is each. You may 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 difficulty when he was left on the bench for a few video games initially of final season, and till that was finished and dusted, it value him his place within the group.
That is actually an attention-grabbing one, as a result of you may perceive why some gamers may discover the phrases on supply from Saudi Arabia engaging. It permits them to justify a transfer which, if considered solely by way of the phrases of the standard/status of the league, is certainly 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 necessary as Saka/Saliba for me – then it has to mirror his stature as some of the necessary 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.
Take a look at what Virgil van Dijk is doing at 33. Gabriel has good years left, and we have to guarantee the very best of these are in an Arsenal shirt. He has greater than earned the sort of contract that places him on a par with our high earners, so let’s hope that’s one we are able to kind out with out an excessive amount of fuss.
Okay, I’ll go away it there for now. Have a very good one people.
